Section 239 - Power of inspectors to carry investigation into affairs of related companies, etc

Inspection powers over related corporate entities allow investigators to probe subsidiaries and nominee-controlled firms when relevant to an inquiry.

Section 239 authorises an inspector investigating a company under sections 235 or 237 to investigate and report on the affairs of related bodies corporate and certain persons-such as subsidiaries, holding companies, bodies managed by the same managing director or by the company, and companies with nominee directors-when those results are relevant to the principal investigation. For specified categories, the inspector must first obtain prior approval of the Central Government, which must grant the targeted entity or person a reasonable opportunity to show cause before approving the investigation.