Section 210 - Registration of Information Utilities under the IBC, 2016

What is an information utility?

Under Section 3(21) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, an information utility is a person registered with the Board as an information utility under Section 210. These regulated entities receive, store, authenticate and provide access to financial information in accordance with the Code and applicable regulations.

Section 209 establishes the registration requirement: except as otherwise provided in the Code, an information utility may not carry on its business under the Code other than under and in accordance with a registration certificate issued by IBBI. Section 210 sets out how that registration is granted, renewed and potentially withdrawn.

Section 210: Explanation of each subsection

Section 210(1) - Application and acknowledgment

An applicant must apply to IBBI in the prescribed form and manner, supply the required particulars and pay the fee specified by regulations. The proviso requires the Board to acknowledge each application within seven days of receipt. This is an acknowledgment deadline, not a guarantee of approval within seven days.

Section 210(2) - Grant or rejection of registration

After receiving the application, the Board may grant registration if satisfied that the application meets the requirements under subsection (1), or reject it by an order. The applicant must therefore demonstrate compliance with the relevant regulatory conditions.

Section 210(3) - Certificate and conditions

IBBI may issue a registration certificate in the form and manner, and subject to the terms and conditions, prescribed under the applicable regulations. Registration is not an unconditional permission to operate.

Section 210(4) - Renewal

The Board may renew a certificate from time to time in the prescribed manner and upon payment of the specified fee. Applicants should verify the current renewal requirements and timelines in the applicable IBBI regulations.

Section 210(5) - Suspension or cancellation

IBBI may, by order, suspend or cancel an information utility's registration on the following statutory grounds:

1. Clause (a): registration obtained through a false statement, misrepresentation or other unlawful means;
2. Clause (b): failure to comply with IBBI regulations;
3. Clause (c): contravention of the Code, rules or regulations made under it; or
4. Clause (d): any additional ground specified by regulations.

First proviso: the information utility must receive a reasonable opportunity of being heard before an order under subsection (5) is made.

Second proviso: such an order may be passed only by a whole-time member of the Board, not by any other member.

How registration of an information utility works

1. Assess eligibility: check the eligibility, organisational, governance, technical and other conditions under the IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017, as amended.
2. Prepare the application: compile the prescribed details, declarations and supporting documents.
3. Submit the application and fee: follow the current prescribed procedure; IBBI must acknowledge receipt within seven days.
4. Regulatory review: IBBI evaluates whether the statutory and regulatory requirements are met and grants or rejects registration by order.
5. Operate in compliance: a registered utility must comply with the terms of its certificate, the Code, regulations, applicable technical standards and directions.
6. Renew when required: follow the current regulatory procedure for renewal and payment of applicable fees.

Exact forms, fees, eligibility thresholds and procedural requirements can change through amendments. Consult the consolidated regulations and subsequent notifications rather than relying on historical figures.

Related IBC provisions and official legal sources

• Section 3(21): definition of information utility.
• Section 196: IBBI's powers and functions, including registration and regulation of information utilities.
• Section 209: prohibition on operating without the required registration.
• Section 211: appeal against orders of the Board concerning registration.
• Sections 212-216: related regulatory provisions governing information utilities and their services.

Read the official IBC text published by IBBI, the IBBI legal framework and updated regulations, and the IBBI circulars. The IBBI listing includes the Information Utilities Regulations, 2017, amended up to 2 June 2026, and a related formats circular dated 3 June 2026.

For the broader statute, see The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. For the preceding registration requirement, see Section 209 - Information Utility Registration Requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Who registers information utilities in India?

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India grants registration under Section 210, subject to the Code and applicable regulations.

Does IBBI have to approve an application within seven days?

No. Section 210(1) requires acknowledgment of the application within seven days of receipt; it does not prescribe a seven-day approval period.

Can registration be cancelled without a hearing?

Section 210(5) requires a reasonable opportunity of being heard before suspension or cancellation under that subsection.

Where can applicants find current forms and fees?

Applicants should consult the latest IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017, amendments and relevant official circulars on the IBBI website.