Power to investigate
(1)
Where the Authority has-
(a)
received any reference from the Central Government for investigation into any matter of professional or other misconduct under sub-section (4) of section 132 of the Act;
(b)
decided to undertake investigation into any matter on the basis of its compliance or oversight activities; or
(c)
decided to undertake suo motu investigation into any matter of professional or other misconduct, after recording reasons in writing for this purpose,
(2)
If, during the investigation, the Authority has evidence to believe that any company or body corporate has not complied with the requirements under the Act or rules which involves or may involve fraud amounting to rupees one crore or more, it shall report its findings to the Central Government.
(3)
On the commencement of these rules-
(a)
the action in respect of cases of professional or other misconduct against auditors of companies referred to in rule 3 shall be initiated by Authority and no other institute or body shall initiate any such proceedings against such auditors:
(b)
the action in respect of cases of professional or other misconduct against auditors of companies or bodies corporate other than those referred to in rule 3 shall continue to be proceeded with by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India as per provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the regulations made thereunder.