60,105 shell companies closed down in Maharashtra

The government on Wednesday told the legislative Assembly that 60,105 shell companies in the state have been shut down over the past few years.

The government on Wednesday told the legislative Assembly that 60,105 shell companies in the state have been shut down over the past few years.

More than 2 lakh companies across the country were struck off as part of a special drive conducted by a special task force constituted by the PMO a few months ago. (FILE)

After PM Narendra Modi announced demonetisation, the Centre came across shell companies – defunct firms used for dubious transactions to convert black money to white.

More than 2 lakh companies across the country were struck off as part of a special drive conducted by a special task force constituted by the PMO a few months ago.

The state had directed its district collectors to seize the properties and offices of such companies until they are allowed to revive their entity.

In a written reply to the question raised by the Atul Bhatkhalkar (BJP), industries minister Subhash Desai said the list was provided by the Registrar of Companies.

“The Centre sent the list of these companies which were struck off under section 248(5) of the Companies Act 2013 in September and October this year. The collectors have been directed to search the properties of such companies and seize them until the orders of their revival under section 252 of the Act,” he has stated.

The minister said the revenue department and the inspector general of registration and all divisional commissioners have been asked to initiate the appropriate action against such companies.

Bhatkhalkar, later told HT, “Strict action needs to be taken against these fake companies as they are said to have involved in legalising black money. The revenue department will now take further action of the attachment of their properties and lands.”