(i) What is pre-certification of e-Forms? (ii) What is straight-through process? (iii) What are the consequences if a professional falsely certifies an e-Form?

I. Pre-certification of E-Forms are done by practicing professionals like Practising Chartered Accountant (PCA), Practising Cost Accountant (PCA (Cost)) and Practising Company Secretary (PCS). Pre-certification by an independent professional in the form is aimed at reducing the workload of Registrar of Companies (ROC). Thus, pre-certification of e-forms aids in straight through processing of e-forms without manual intervention by the officials at ROC. II. Straight through process is an automated process in which a pre certified e-form is taken on record by the MCA-21 system without human intervention. III. If a professional gives a false certificate or omits any material information knowingly, he is liable to punishment under Section 447 and 448 of the Companies Act, 2013 besides disciplinary action by the Institute which issued the Certificate of Practice.