"Active" on the MCA master data page means the company is on the Registrar's register and is not struck off, under process of striking off, dormant, under liquidation, dissolved or amalgamated. It shows legal existence, not financial health. A supplier should also check the date of the last balance sheet and AGM, the charges index and the directors before giving credit.
What "Active" tells you, and what it does not
Active means the company can be sued in its own name, can be served at its registered office, and has not started voluntary or compulsory closure. That is useful: you can proceed against a live entity with all the usual remedies, from a legal notice to a summary suit or a Section 138 complaint.
It does not tell you:
- Whether the company has money or assets left
- Whether it is current with its filings (look at the date of the last balance sheet and AGM)
- Whether banks hold charges over everything it owns (see the index of charges)
- Whether an insolvency application is pending before the NCLT
- Whether it is still trading from the address on MCA
Common MCA company status values
| Status | What it means for a supplier |
|---|---|
| Active | Live company; all recovery routes open |
| Active Non-Compliant | On the register but flagged for not filing the INC-22A (ACTIVE) form; some changes are blocked |
| Under Process of Striking Off | Registrar has started removal; object quickly |
| Strike Off | Removed from the register; restoration or action against directors needed |
| Dormant | Has applied for dormant status under Section 455; minimal activity |
| Under Liquidation / Liquidated | Winding up or IBC liquidation; file a claim with the liquidator |
| Amalgamated | Merged into another company, which usually takes over liabilities |
| Converted to LLP | Look up the new LLP, which takes over the company's liabilities |
Each label has its own page: active non-compliant, under process of striking off, dormant and strike off.
How to check it
- Go to mca.gov.in > MCA Services > Master Data > View Company or LLP Master Data.
- Enter the CIN or company name and the captcha.
- Read the company status field, then the dates of the last AGM and balance sheet.
- Open the charges and directors tabs.
- Save the page with the date of checking.
Using status in a credit decision
A sensible rule for small suppliers: status active and accounts filed within the last eighteen months or so is normal; active but no balance sheet for several years means a company that is ignoring compliance, so ask for advance payment or a shorter credit period; any status other than active means no fresh credit until you understand why.
Status changes. A buyer that was active when you took the order can be under process of striking off by the time you chase payment. Recheck before you send a notice, and ask FundRaksha Legal for help if the status has changed. Fee: 30% only of what is recovered.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-20. Information for Indian businesses; not legal advice.