(1)No Court shall take cognizance of any offence against this Act [* * *] [ Inserted by Act 25 of 1968, Section 2 and Schedule (w.e.f. 15.8.1968).] which is alleged to have been committed by any company or any officer thereof, except on the complaint in writing of the Registrar, or of a shareholder of the company, or of a person authorised by the Central Government in that behalf:Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a prosecution by a company of any of its officers:[Provided further that the Court may take cognizance of offence relating to issue and transfer of securities and non-payment of dividend on a complaint in writing by a person authorised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.] [ Inserted by Act 53 of 2000, Section 221 (w.e.f. 13.12.2000).]
