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Issues Involved:
1. Legality of the Central Government's order for investigation under Section 237(b) of the Companies Act, 1956. 2. Alleged misconduct and fraud by the petitioner-company. 3. Legality of the appointment of co-inspectors and the extension of investigation periods. 4. Adequacy of the Central Government's justification for the investigation order. 5. The petitioner's cooperation and alleged obstruction during the investigation. Detailed Analysis: 1. Legality of the Central Government's Order for Investigation under Section 237(b) of the Companies Act, 1956 The Central Government issued an order on April 11, 1963, to investigate the affairs of the petitioner-company, citing circumstances suggesting that the company's business was being conducted with intent to defraud creditors, members, or other persons. The petitioner-company objected to this order, claiming that the allegations were unfounded and false, and requested the materials on which the Central Government based its opinion. The court emphasized that the government must proceed reasonably and not be actuated by bad faith or dishonesty, and must exclude irrelevant matters. The court found the affidavit-in-opposition unhelpful and evasive, failing to provide any legal excuse for the order. 2. Alleged Misconduct and Fraud by the Petitioner-Company The Central Government's order suggested that the persons involved in the management of the petitioner-company were guilty of fraud, misfeasance, or other misconduct. The petitioner-company denied these allegations, stating that all loans were fully secured and there were no complaints from creditors or members. The court noted that the respondents did not provide any specific instances or evidence to support the allegations, and the affidavit-in-opposition merely contained bare denials and non-admissions. 3. Legality of the Appointment of Co-Inspectors and the Extension of Investigation Periods The investigation period was extended multiple times, and eventually, co-inspectors were appointed in place of the original inspector. The petitioner-company condemned these actions as illegal and not sanctioned by law. The court noted that the Central Government extended the investigation period without providing a clear justification for the delays. The appointment of co-inspectors was also criticized, but the court did not delve deeply into this issue as it was not the primary concern of the rule. 4. Adequacy of the Central Government's Justification for the Investigation Order The court held that the Central Government must provide justification for the investigation order when challenged in a court of law. The respondents failed to indicate any circumstances suggesting the necessity for the investigation, either in the affidavit-in-opposition or during the arguments. The court found that the Central Government may have proceeded on mere subjective satisfaction rather than on prima facie materials, which is insufficient to uphold the order. 5. The Petitioner's Cooperation and Alleged Obstruction During the Investigation The petitioner-company claimed to have fully cooperated with the investigation, providing all requested information and documents. However, the respondents alleged obstruction and intimidation by the petitioner-company. The court noted that the respondents' allegations were vague and indefinite, and there was no concrete evidence of obstruction. The court emphasized that bare denials and non-admissions in the affidavit-in-opposition did not serve any purpose. Conclusion: The court quashed the impugned order of investigation and restrained the respondents from giving further effect to it. The judgment highlighted the need for the Central Government to provide clear and specific justifications for such orders and criticized the respondents' failure to do so. The court allowed the possibility for the Central Government to make a fresh investigation order according to law. There was no order as to costs, and the operation of the judgment was stayed for a fortnight.
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