to the reply given to Unstarred Question No. 3021 dated 2-8-2002 regarding disposal of complaints by DCA and state:
(a) the number of complaints pending before the year 1999;
(b) the time by which these complaints are likely to be redressed;
(
(c) the number of cases in which action has been taken against companies as on date; and
(d) the time after which penal action be initiated for violation of provisions of the Act.
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a) to (c) During the three years (1-4-96 to 31-3-99) a total of 40,301 complaints were received, out of which 19,956 were redressed and 20345 such complaints are under process. Though there is no time limit prescribed in the Companies Act, 1956 for the disposal of complaints, efforts are made to dispose of them expeditiously.
(d) If the complaints are not attended to by the companies within a reasonable time, penal action for violation of the relevant provisions of the Act ibid can be launched against them.