Company strike off: meaning, process and conditions
Strike off removes a company's name from the register under section 248. A defunct company can apply in Form STK-2 with a ₹10,000 fee, processed by C-PACE.
Short answer
Strike off is the removal of a company's name from the Register of Companies under section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013, after which it ceases to exist as a company. It can be initiated by the ROC for defunct companies or by the company itself through Form STK-2.
- Governed by
- Section 248, Companies Act 2013
- Application
- Form STK-2
- Government fee
- ₹10,000
- Processed by
- C-PACE (Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit)
Who can apply
A company can apply for voluntary strike off after extinguishing all its liabilities, if it has not carried on business for two immediately preceding financial years, or has not commenced business within one year of incorporation. It needs a special resolution or the consent of 75% of members by paid-up capital. Companies that changed name or shifted registered office in the last three months, or have pending proceedings, cannot apply.
What the application includes
Form STK-2 is filed on the MCA portal with the fee and the supporting documents listed below. The ROC then publishes a public notice inviting objections for 30 days before striking off the name and dissolving the company.
- Indemnity bond by every director in Form STK-3
- Affidavit by every director in Form STK-4
- Statement of accounts certified by a CA, not older than 30 days
- Board and shareholder resolutions
- Proof of filing all overdue annual returns and financial statements
Why it matters for founders
Strike off is often the right exit for a startup that never took off or a dormant subsidiary. Close the bank account, settle tax dues, cancel GST registration and file overdue returns first. Directors remain liable for any liability that existed before the strike off, and a struck-off company can be restored by the tribunal on application within 20 years if circumstances justify it.
Related services
Sources
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
How long does strike off take?
It depends on C-PACE processing and the 30-day objection period after public notice, so do not rely on a fixed timeline.
Can the ROC strike off my company without my application?
Yes. Under section 248(1), the ROC can strike off a company that has not carried on business for two years or failed to commence business, after notice.
Can a struck-off company be revived?
Yes. The tribunal can restore it under section 252 if it was carrying on business or it is otherwise just to restore it.