SFIO Investigation under Section 212 — Exam Notes
A clear introduction to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and its relationship with inspection, corporate fraud investigation and prosecution under the Companies Act.
The statutory structure
Sections 211 and 212 address SFIO and investigation into company affairs by that body. The SFIO FAQ describes circumstances in which the Central Government may assign investigation, including reports by the Registrar or inspector, company special resolution, public interest and department requests.
Think in process stages
Read the statutory assignment trigger, investigator powers, relevant reports, procedural safeguards, consequences and applicable court route. Note which provisions apply to investigations by an inspector and which to SFIO specifically.
Suggested diagram for revision
Alleged corporate misconduct → statutory inquiry/inspection where appropriate → decision to assign SFIO investigation → investigation under the Act → statutory action, including prosecution where warranted. This is a learning map, not a complete statement of procedural requirements.
Exam mistakes
Do not assume every late filing is an SFIO case; do not equate SFIO with an ordinary police station or NCLT; and do not treat draft SFIO recruitment rules as an advertised examination.
Primary sources & further reading
Use the primary documents when a question depends on a section number, time limit, definition, amendment or recruitment condition.
Frequently asked questions
What does SFIO investigate?
Complex corporate fraud assigned to it under the relevant Companies Act framework.
Where should I verify section 212?
In the current Companies Act on India Code and SFIO’s official FAQs.
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Editorial update: 19 October 2026. Informational exam preparation, not legal advice or a representation of an official recruiting organization.