Company LawFinal
Company LawFinal
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Meaning of a Company
● Legal Entity: A company is a legal entity created by law. It is an artificial person
recognized by law, distinct from its members.
● Created by Law: A company comes into existence only through legal registration under
the relevant company law (in India, the Companies Act, 2013).
Nature of a Company
● Artificial Person: A company is considered an "artificial person" as it is a creation of law
and not a natural person. It has certain rights and obligations similar to a natural person,
such as the right to own property and the obligation to pay taxes.
● Separate Legal Personality: This is the most fundamental characteristic of a company. It
means the company exists independently of its members. This principle was established
in the landmark English case of Salomon v. Salomon & Co. Ltd. (1897). The House of
Lords held that a company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders, even if one
person owns almost all the shares.
○ Key Implications:
■ The company can sue and be sued in its own name.
■ The company can own property in its own name.
■ The company's debts are its own, not the debts of its shareholders.
■ Shareholders are not personally liable for the company's debts, except to the
extent of their unpaid share capital.
● Perpetual Succession: A company has perpetual succession, meaning its existence is
not affected by the death, retirement, or insolvency of its members. It can continue to
operate indefinitely.
● Limited Liability: In the case of a company limited by shares, the liability of its members
is limited to the unpaid amount on the shares held by them. This provides a significant
advantage to investors as their personal assets are generally not at risk.
● Common Seal: While not mandatory in all jurisdictions, traditionally, companies used a
common seal to authenticate their documents. However, the significance of the common
seal has diminished with the advent of electronic signatures and digital documentation.
Relevant Sections (Companies Act, 2013)
● Section 2(20): Defines "company" as "a company incorporated under this Act or under
any previous company law."
Disclaimer:
● This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not
constitute legal advice.
● For in-depth preparation for judicial services, it is crucial to consult the original legislation,
case laws, and legal commentaries.
I hope this comprehensive overview of the meaning and nature of a company is helpful for your
judicial services preparation.
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Kinds of Companies under the Companies Act, 2013
Companies can be classified based on various factors, primarily liability and number of
members. Here's a breakdown of the key types:
1. Based on Liability:
● Company Limited by Shares:
○ Section 2(20)(i): Defines a company limited by shares as a company having a
share capital divided into shares, and the liability of its members is limited to the
amount unpaid on the shares held by them.
○ Key Features:
■ Most common type of company.
■ Members' liability is restricted to the amount they agreed to pay for their
shares.
■ Example: Most publicly traded companies.
● Company Limited by Guarantee:
○ Section 2(21): Defines a company limited by guarantee as a company formed on
the principle of having no share capital but having the liability of its members limited
by the memorandum to a certain amount that they undertake to contribute to the
assets of the company in the event of its being wound up.
○ Key Features:
■ No share capital; members agree to contribute a specific amount in case of
company liquidation.
■ Often formed for non-profit purposes, such as charitable organizations.
● Unlimited Company:
○ Section 2(92): An unlimited company is a company that does not have any limit on
the liability of its members.
○ Key Features:
■ Members are liable for the company's debts to the full extent of their personal
assets.
■ Rarely used in modern business practice.
2. Based on Number of Members
● Private Company:
○ Section 2(68): A private company is a company that:
■ Restricts the right to transfer its shares.
■ Limits the number of members to 200 (excluding past and present
employees).
■ Prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for its shares or debentures.
■ Does not invite public deposits.
○ Key Features:
■ More flexibility and less regulatory burden compared to public companies.
■ Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
● Public Company:
○ Section 2(71): A public company is any company that is not a private company.
○ Key Features:
■ Can issue shares to the public through a prospectus.
■ Subject to more stringent regulations than private companies.
■ Suitable for larger companies that require significant capital from the public.
3. Other Types of Companies:
● One Person Company (OPC):
○ Section 2(62): A company with a single shareholder.
○ Key Features:
■ Introduced to encourage entrepreneurship.
■ Offers ease of incorporation and management.
● Government Company:
○ Section 2(45): A company in which not less than 51% of the paid-up share capital
is held by the Central Government or any State Government, or partly by the
Central Government and partly by one or more State Governments.
● Foreign Company:
○ Section 2(42): A company incorporated outside India that has a place of business
in India.
Important Considerations:
● Choice of Company Type: The choice of company type depends on various factors,
including the nature of the business, the size of the company, the funding requirements,
and the desired level of control and flexibility.
● Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Each type of company is subject to different legal
and regulatory requirements under the Companies Act, 2013.
Disclaimer:
● This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not
constitute legal advice.
● For in-depth preparation for judicial services, it is crucial to consult the original legislation,
case laws, and legal commentaries.
I hope this comprehensive overview of the kinds of companies under the Companies Act, 2013,
is helpful for your judicial services preparation.
● https://blog.ipleaders.in/kinds-of-company/
● https://www.lawyered.in/legal-disrupt/articles/types-companies-india-detailed-breakdown/
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