(1) Where any question arises as to whether any body corporate, firm, or individual was or was not, an associate of the managing agent or secretaries and treasurers of a company and it appears to the Central Government that there is good reason to investigate such question, it may either -(a) appoint an inspector for the purpose of making the investigation; or(b) if it considers it unnecessary to appoint an inspector as aforesaid, require any person whom it has reasonable cause to believe to be in a position to give relevant information in regard to the question, to furnish the Central Government with information on such matters as may be specified by it.