Inspection of company register protects members' access; refusal triggers a penalty and can be compelled by authority. Section 304 grants a statutory right of inspection of the company register: members inspect free during business hours; others may inspect on payment of the prescribed fee; companies may impose reasonable restrictions insofar as not less than two hours per day are allowed. Refusal to permit inspection renders the company and defaulting officers liable to a fine and authorises the Central Government or Tribunal to order immediate inspection.