Registration Offices and Fees
1. For the purposes of exercising such powers and discharging such functions as are conferred on the Central Government by or under this Act or under the rules made there under and for the purposes of registration of companies under this Act, the Central Government shall, by notification, establish such number of offices at such places as it thinks fit, specifying their jurisdiction.
2. The Central Government may appoint such Registrars, Additional, Joint, Deputy and Assistant Registrars as it considers necessary for the registration of companies and discharge of various functions under this Act, and the powers and duties that may be exercisable by such officers shall be such as may be prescribed.
3. The terms and conditions of service, including the salaries payable to persons appointed under sub-section (2 ), shall be such as may be prescribed.
4. The Central Government may direct a seal or seals to be prepared for the authentication of documents required for, or connected with, the registration of companies.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 396
Section 396 authorizes the Central Government to establish registration offices across India, appoint Registrars and subordinate officers, regulate their duties, and seal the official records maintained by the registry.
In jurisdictional challenges concerning RoC notices or investigations, verify the territorial jurisdiction established under Section 396. An order or inquiry initiated by an RoC outside the company's registered office territory is ultra vires unless expressly delegated by Central Government notification.