A company can be defined as an “artificial person“, invisible, intangible, created by or under law, with a discrete legal capacity (or “personality“), perpetual succession, and a common seal. Except for some senior positions, companies remain unaffected by the death, insanity, or insolvency of an individual member.
Characteristics of a Company
1. Separate Legal Entity – A company has an independent legal identity, meaning it can own property, sue, or be sued in its name.
2. Limited Liability – Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount they have invested in shares.
3. Perpetual Succession – The existence of a company is not affected by changes in ownership or management.
4. Transferability of Shares – Public companies allow free transfer of shares unless restricted by law or company rules.
5. Common Seal (Now Optional) – Companies may use a common seal to authenticate documents.
6. Regulatory Compliance – Companies must follow laws and regulations like the Companies Act, 2013 in India or similar legislation in other countries.
Types of Companies
1. Based on Liability of Members
• Limited by Shares – Liability is limited to the unpaid amount on shares.
• Limited by Guarantee – Members guarantee to pay a certain amount in case of winding up.
• Unlimited Company – No limit on liability; members are personally liable for debts.
2. Based on Number of Members
• Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) – Minimum: 2 members, Maximum: 200 members, Cannot freely transfer shares, No mandatory public disclosure of financials.
• Public Limited Company (Ltd.) – Minimum: 7 members, No maximum limit on members, Shares are freely transferable, Subject to higher regulatory scrutiny.
3. Based on Control and Listing
• Listed Company – Listed on stock exchanges, required to follow SEBI (or respective regulatory authority) rules.
• Unlisted Company – Not listed on stock exchanges, shares are privately held.
4. Based on Ownership and Purpose
• Government Company – At least 51% owned by the government (e.g., ONGC, LIC).
• Foreign Company – Incorporated outside but doing business in India.
• One Person Company (OPC) – A single person can incorporate and run the business with limited liability.
• Non-Profit Company (Section 8 Company in India) – Established for charitable, social, or educational purposes.
Formation of a Company
1. Choosing a Name – Must comply with naming guidelines and be unique.
2. Drafting MOA & AOA
– Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Defines objectives and scope of operations.
– Articles of Association (AOA) – Governs internal management and rules.
3. Filing with Registrar of Companies (ROC) – Submitting incorporation documents, including directors’ details.
4. Obtaining Certificate of Incorporation (COI) – A legal document confirming company formation.
5. Applying for PAN, TAN & GST Registration (if applicable).
Company Management and Governance
• Board of Directors (BoD) – Elected by shareholders to oversee management.
• Shareholders – Owners of the company who vote on key decisions.
• Company Secretary – Ensures legal and regulatory compliance.
• Auditors – Conduct audits to ensure financial transparency.
Dissolution of a Company
A company may be dissolved voluntarily or involuntarily due to:
1. Winding Up by Members – Decision by shareholders.
2. Winding Up by Tribunal (NCLT in India) – Due to insolvency, fraud, or regulatory violations.
3. Striking Off – Registrar removes the company for non-compliance.
Conclusion
A company is a structured legal entity that enables businesses to operate efficiently while providing benefits like limited liability and perpetual succession. Compliance with laws and governance norms is crucial for smooth operation and long-term sustainability.
Case Laws Related to Companies
1. Salomon v. Salomon & Co. Ltd. (1897)
This landmark UK case established the principle of separate legal personality. The House of Lords held that a company is a distinct legal entity from its shareholders, protecting them from personal liability for the company’s debts.
2. Foss v. Harbottle (1843)
This case laid down the rule that if a wrong is done to a company, the company itself must bring the lawsuit. Shareholders generally cannot sue on behalf of the company unless there is fraud or wrongdoing by the majority.
3. Ashbury Railway Carriage and Iron Co. Ltd. v. Riche (1875)
This case reinforced the doctrine of ultra vires, which means a company cannot undertake activities beyond what is specified in its Memorandum of Association. Any such acts are void and unenforceable.
4. Daimler Co. Ltd. v. Continental Tyre and Rubber Co. (1916)
This case dealt with the issue of corporate nationality. The court ruled that if a company is controlled by enemy shareholders during wartime, it may be treated as an enemy company, despite being incorporated in the home country.
5. Lee v. Lee’s Air Farming Ltd. (1961)
The Privy Council held that a person can be both a director and an employee of a company, reinforcing the principle of corporate personality and allowing business owners to contract with their own companies.
- By Govind Sharma