Types of Companies under the Companies Act, 2013

Introduction

The Companies Act, 2013, which governs corporate entities in India, classifies companies based on their liability structure, ownership, control, and size. This classification helps in regulatory compliance, financial structuring, and operational management. The Act defines various types of companies under different sections, establishing distinct legal frameworks for their formation, governance, and dissolution.
This article explores the different types of companies as per the Act, providing relevant statutory provisions and case laws to illustrate their legal implications.
Classification of Companies
Companies can be categorized based on the following parameters:
1. Based on Number of Members
• One Person Company (OPC)
• Private Company
• Public Company
2. Based on Liability of Members
• Companies Limited by Shares
• Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Unlimited Companies
3. Based on Control and Holding Structure
• Holding Company
• Subsidiary Company
• Associate Company
4. Based on Listing and Access to Capital
• Listed Company
• Unlisted Company
5. Based on Size and Financial Criteria
• Small Company
• Dormant Company
6. Based on Purpose or Special Statutory Provisions
• Government Company
• Foreign Company
• Section 8 Company (Non-Profit Organizations)
Each of these categories is discussed in detail below, with supporting provisions and judicial interpretations.
Companies Based on Number of Members
One Person Company (OPC) – Section 2(62)
A One Person Company (OPC) is a unique form of business entity introduced under the Companies Act, 2013, designed to encourage entrepreneurship while providing the advantages of limited liability. An OPC allows a single individual to incorporate a company with a distinct legal identity, reducing personal financial risk while facilitating business growth.

Key Features:

• Single Ownership: Only one member is required to incorporate an OPC.
• Nominee Director: A nominee must be appointed to assume control in case of the owner’s death or incapacity.
• Limited Liability: The personal liability of the member is restricted to the amount invested.
• Exemptions from Compliance: OPCs are not required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or follow extensive compliance applicable to larger companies.
• Restriction on Activities: OPCs cannot engage in Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) activities or convert into a public company unless it meets prescribed financial thresholds.
In Delhi Development Authority v. Grihpravesh Buildtech Pvt. Ltd. (2019), the court distinguished OPCs from private companies, ruling that OPCs cannot be subjected to the same regulatory framework as larger corporate entities, thereby ensuring their operational flexibility.
Private Company – Section 2(68)
A Private Company is a corporate entity that operates with a restricted ownership structure, limiting the number of shareholders to 200 and prohibiting the public trading of shares. This structure is ideal for family-owned businesses, startups, and closely-held corporations, allowing them to function with greater flexibility while enjoying limited liability protection.
Key Features:
• Membership Limitation: Requires a minimum of two members and a maximum of 200 members.
• Restriction on Public Investment: Cannot invite the public to subscribe to shares or raise capital from stock exchanges.
• Limited Transferability of Shares: Shareholders cannot freely transfer shares, ensuring ownership remains within a close group.
• Governance Structure: Must have at least one director, though typically, private companies appoint multiple directors for effective management.
• Lesser Compliance Burden: Compared to public companies, private companies enjoy regulatory relaxations, such as exemptions from stringent disclosure norms.
In Dale & Carrington Investment (P) Ltd. v. P.K. Prathapan (2004), the Supreme Court of India ruled that directors cannot misuse their powers to issue additional shares for personal gain. This case reinforced minority shareholder protection, ensuring that corporate control remains fair and transparent.
Public Company – Section 2(71)
A Public Company is a corporate entity that allows the free transfer of shares and can raise capital from the public through the issuance of shares, debentures, or other securities. This structure is suitable for large-scale businesses that require substantial investments and wish to benefit from public funding. Public companies are subject to stricter regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and investor protection.
Key Features:
• No Restriction on Share Transfer: Shareholders can freely trade shares in the stock market, enhancing liquidity.
• Membership Requirements: Requires a minimum of seven members, with no upper limit on shareholders.
• Mandatory Annual General Meeting (AGM): AGMs must be conducted to discuss financial statements, dividends, and corporate governance matters.
• Stricter Compliance: Public companies must adhere to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulations, ensuring corporate transparency and investor protection.
• Higher Disclosure Requirements: Subject to detailed financial reporting, including quarterly results, auditor reports, and regulatory filings.
In Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. v. Cyrus Investments Pvt. Ltd. (2021), the Supreme Court upheld the autonomy of the Board of Directors in making corporate governance decisions, reinforcing the principle that public companies must comply with regulatory frameworks while protecting shareholder rights.
Companies Based on Liability of Members
Companies under the Companies Act 2013 can be classified based on the liability of their members, determining the extent of financial responsibility in case of debt or liquidation.
Company Limited by Shares – Section 2(22)
A company limited by shares is the most common corporate structure in India, where shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. This ensures that personal assets remain protected from corporate debts.
In Salomon v. Salomon & Co. Ltd. (1897), the House of Lords upheld the principle of separate legal personality, ruling that a company is distinct from its shareholders, who cannot be personally held liable for its debts.
Company Limited by Guarantee – Section 2(21)
This type of company does not issue shares; instead, members guarantee a fixed contribution in case of liquidation. These companies are primarily formed for non-profit, charitable, or research purposes.
Example: The Indian Red Cross Society is a classic example of a company limited by guarantee, operating for humanitarian causes.
Unlimited Company – Section 2(92)
In an unlimited company, members have unlimited liability, meaning their personal assets can be used to settle company debts. This structure is rarely used due to its high financial risk.
Companies Based on Control and Holding Structure
The Companies Act, 2013 classifies companies based on control and ownership structure to distinguish the relationship between entities within a corporate group. The primary categories include Holding Companies, Subsidiary Companies, and Associate Companies, which play a crucial role in corporate governance, taxation, and regulatory compliance.
Holding Company – Section 2(46)
A Holding Company is a company that has control over another company, referred to as its subsidiary, by holding more than 50% of its shares or voting rights. This enables the holding company to influence the subsidiary’s strategic decisions and corporate governance.
Key Features:
• Majority Control: Holds more than 50% of shares or voting rights in another company.
• Decision-Making Power: Can appoint or remove directors in the subsidiary.
• Risk Management: Limits liability by operating various business units under separate subsidiaries.
Example: Tata Sons is the holding company of Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), controlling them through majority shareholding and board representation.
Subsidiary Company – Section 2(87)
A Subsidiary Company is a company in which another company, the Holding Company, owns more than 50% of the share capital or voting rights, giving the holding company significant control over the subsidiary’s management and operations.
Key Features:
• Controlled by a Holding Company: A company is deemed a subsidiary if another company holds more than half of its total share capital or controls board decisions.
• Independent Legal Entity: Though controlled by the holding company, it remains a separate legal entity.
• Compliance Requirements: A subsidiary is subject to additional regulatory and reporting obligations, especially if it is part of a foreign corporate group.
Case Law:
In Vodafone International Holdings v. Union of India (2012), the Supreme Court of India analyzed the relationship between holding and subsidiary companies concerning foreign investments and tax liabilities. The court ruled in favor of Vodafone, stating that indirect transfer of shares of an Indian subsidiary by a foreign holding company is not taxable in India unless specifically covered under Indian tax laws.
Associate Company – Section 2(6)
An Associate Company is one in which another company holds at least 20% of the total voting power but does not exercise full control like in a subsidiary relationship. Associate companies are used for strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
Key Features:
• Significant Influence: The investing company has at least 20% of voting power but less than 50%, ensuring an advisory or strategic role rather than full control.
• Joint Decision-Making: Involves collaborative business decisions rather than a strict parent-subsidiary hierarchy.
• Financial Reporting: Associate companies must disclose related-party transactions as per accounting standards.
Example: Axis Bank is an associate company of UTI Asset Management Company, as UTI holds a significant stake and voting rights in Axis Bank but does not control its management.
Companies Based on Listing and Capital Access
Companies can be categorized based on their ability to raise capital from the public.
A Listed Company (Section 2(52)) is a company whose shares are traded on a recognized stock exchange and is subject to SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Listed companies must comply with corporate governance norms, financial disclosures, and investor protection laws. They can raise capital from the public through Initial Public Offerings (IPO) or further public issues. Examples include Reliance Industries and Infosys, which are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).
In contrast, an Unlisted Company is a company that does not trade its shares on any stock exchange. It raises funds privately through promoters, venture capitalists, or private placements. Since they are not publicly listed, they are subject to fewer SEBI regulations but must comply with the Companies Act, 2013. Many startups and private corporations operate as unlisted companies before opting for public listing.
Companies Based on Size and Financial Criteria
The Companies Act, 2013 classifies companies based on their size and financial strength to determine compliance requirements, exemptions, and regulatory obligations.
Small Company – Section 2(85)
A Small Company is defined under Section 2(85) as a private company that meets the following financial criteria:
• Paid-up share capital does not exceed ₹50 lakh.
• Annual turnover does not exceed ₹2 crore, as per the previous financial year’s profit and loss statement.
Advantages of Small Companies:
1. Lower Compliance Burden – Exemptions from certain reporting and governance requirements under the Companies Act.
2. Relaxed Audit Requirements – No mandatory rotation of auditors and simplified annual return filing.
3. Less Stringent Penalties – Reduced fines for non-compliance compared to larger companies.
However, a Small Company cannot be:
• A public company.
• A subsidiary of another company.
• A financial institution or insurance company.
Dormant Company – Section 455
A Dormant Company is a company that is legally registered but has no significant accounting transactions. It is often used to hold intellectual property (IP), real estate, or future business ventures.
Key Features:
• Voluntary or Regulatory Dormancy – Companies can apply for dormant status if they are not carrying out business but intend to operate in the future.
• Reduced Compliance – Dormant companies need to file only a minimal set of financial statements annually.
• Asset Protection – Businesses use dormant companies to hold trademarks, patents, or real estate without engaging in active trade.
A dormant company must file an annual return and maintain a minimum number of directors to retain its status.
Companies Based on Special Statutory Provisions
Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain companies function under special statutory provisions based on their ownership, jurisdiction, and purpose. These companies are subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with national laws and governance standards.
A government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by the central government, state government, or both jointly. These companies operate under the Companies Act, 2013, but they are also subject to additional regulations governing public sector enterprises. Government companies may function as independent commercial entities while fulfilling state objectives. They are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and may be listed on stock exchanges or remain entirely under government control. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is an example of a government company that, while competing in the open market, is predominantly owned by the Government of India and operates under public sector governance.
A foreign company is one that is incorporated outside India but maintains a place of business in India, either physically or through digital means. These companies are required to register with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within 30 days of establishing their business presence in the country. They must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Indian tax laws to regulate foreign investments and financial transactions. Additionally, they are subject to the oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) if engaged in securities-related activities. Google India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Google LLC, is an example of a foreign company that operates in India while being incorporated abroad.
A Section 8 company, commonly referred to as a non-profit organization, is formed for charitable, educational, scientific, religious, or environmental objectives. Unlike other companies, a Section 8 company cannot distribute profits to its members; instead, all earnings must be reinvested to further its objectives. These companies enjoy tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act and are not required to maintain a minimum share capital. However, they must adhere to strict compliance measures to prevent any misuse of their legal status. Infosys Foundation is a well-known example of a Section 8 company that works toward promoting education, healthcare, and rural development across India.
References
Taxmann’s Company Law And Practice