Complaint Filed Against MCA Over Alleged Mishandling of “Uttar Pradesh” Name Misuse Case

New Delhi (RNI) A fresh controversy has emerged in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) after activist Pradeep Singh accused the ministry of “false closure” of a grievance concerning the alleged unauthorized use of the name “Uttar Pradesh” by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).

In a detailed letter sent to the MCA Secretary and other senior officials, Singh demanded the reopening of Grievance No. DCOYA/E/2025/0004548, which he claims was “wrongly and misleadingly closed” on August 6 with the remark: “Inspection has been conducted and prosecution has been filed as per sanctions received.”

Singh argues that the matter was never about criminal prosecution but about statutory non-compliance under Sections 4(2)(b) and 4(3) of the Companies Act, 2013. These provisions require prior government approval for the use of any state name in a company’s title.

The Directorate of Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, had earlier confirmed in writing that the UPCA’s use of “Uttar Pradesh” without state approval falls within the Registrar of Companies’ jurisdiction for action under the Companies Act. Singh alleges that despite this, MCA officials avoided initiating proceedings under Section 16, which empowers the removal of improperly obtained names, and instead diverted the case toward prosecution — “neither the appropriate remedy nor supported by facts.”

Singh called the closure a deliberate attempt to shield a non-compliant company and demanded four immediate actions: reopening the grievance and canceling the August 6 closure remark; directing the ROC Kanpur to begin name-removal proceedings against UPCA; launching a departmental inquiry into officials responsible for the alleged misreporting; and instructing MCA offices nationwide to act against unauthorized use of government or state names.

Singh warned that if no action is taken, he will escalate the matter to the Minister of Corporate Affairs, the Central Vigilance Commission, and the Supreme Court under Article 32.

The MCA has yet to issue an official response to these allegations.

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