
I am agree with Kapil ji that at the end it is the discretion of ROC to ask for filing of pending annual returns. Further, if you read Sections 248(2) and 248(6) which are extracted as below you will find that under section 248 (2) the word used is "MAY" which means it is on company to discharge its liability before filing an application for strike off,
However, at the later stage the ROC will only pass the order after being satisfied that all the liability has been discharge by the company. Without prejudice to what is stated above, it can be said that order of strike of can only be obtained after filing pending return and after paying all dues. You have to bear the cost of your sins.
"...(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), a company may, after extinguishing all its liabilities, by a special resolution or consent of seventy-five per cent. members in terms of paid-up share capital, file an application in the prescribed manner to the Registrar for removing the name of the company from the register of companies on all or any of the grounds specified in sub-section (1) and the Registrar shall, on receipt of such application, cause a public notice to be issued in the prescribed manner:
Provided that in the case of a company regulated under a special Act, approval of the regulatory body constituted or established under that Act shall also be obtained and enclosed with the application.
(6) The Registrar, before passing an order under sub-section (5), shall satisfy himself that sufficient provision has been made for the realisation of all amount due to the company and for the payment or discharge of its liabilities and obligations by the company within a reasonable time and, if necessary, obtain necessary undertakings from the managing director, director or other persons in charge of the management of the company:
Provided that notwithstanding the undertakings referred to in this sub-section, the assets of the company shall be made available for the payment or discharge of all its liabilities and obligations even after the date of the order removing the name of the company from the register of companies."