Features of the Companies Act 1956: Company Regulation

The government of India (GOI) administered the Companies Act 1956. It was initiated through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Office of Registrar of Companies (ROC). The Act has 658 sections and contains the provisions of companies, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Article of Association (AOA), etc.

This Act says about all the provisions required to manage a company. The Act says about the company’s constitution, management, members, etc. It also defines how the shares should be issued, registration charges, etc. At the end of the Act, it talks about the winding up of the company.

What is the Companies Act 1956?

The Companies Act 1956 came into force on 1st of April 1956. It constitutes the Company Law in India. This act combines all company laws, replacing previous acts and amendments. It contains 658 sections with 15 schedules and various forms.

The Companies Act 1956 latest amendment was made in 2006. It is renamed as the Companies Amendment Act, 2006. The Act came into force on 29th May 2006 with the consent of the President of India. The newly inserted sections in the amended act are 610B to 610E.

The amendment is all about filing returns through electronic mode. The act came into effect after September 16th, 2006. Another new section 266A to 266G is about DIN, effective November 1st, 2006. So, these amendments were made step by step.

What are the objectives of the Companies Act 1956?

The Companies Act 1956 has the following objectives;

  1. It protects the interests of creditors.
  1. It safeguards the interest of shareholders.
  1. Helps in the development of companies in India.
  1. Assist in achieving the main goals of the government policies.
  1. Gives the government authority to act in a company’s operations.
  1. Proposes good behavior and honesty in company management.
  1. Recognizes the legitimate interest of creditors and shareholders.
  1. Effective control of the management of shareholders.
  1. A report on a company’s finances in its yearly balance sheet and income statement.
  1. Proper auditing and accounting standards.

What are the special features of the Companies Act 1956?

The special features of the Companies Act of 1956 are;

  1. It introduces stricter rules for company founders and managers.
  1. It provides the contents of the guide, the company’s account maintenance, share capital reduction, etc.
  1. This Act acknowledges ‘Government Companies’. It owns at least 51% of the shares and provides special rules for them.
  1. The Act includes steps aimed at breaking up a big economic power that harms the public interest.
  1. It allows the Central Government and the Company Law Board to take control of a company.

Mechanism of the Companies Act 1956

The Companies Act of 1956 is the most important scheme of legislation. It regulates financing, functioning, and companies’ windup, etc. It strengthens the central government. This Act sets up the organizational and managerial relevant to the company. It directs audits and inspects the company’s books of accounts.

These inspections aim to check if companies follow the law. It avoids unfair practices harmful to the public. Prevents mismanagement that could harm employees, creditors, shareholders, and others. This Act has been amended to optimize business conditions.

If fraud or cheating is suspected during an inspection, the Companies Act may be invoked, or the matter can be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Conclusion

The Companies Act 1956, administered by the GOI. It is a comprehensive legislation merging company laws in India. Enacted on April 1, 1956, and last amended in 2006. It includes 658 sections with 15 schedules. Key objectives include protecting creditors’ and shareholders’ interests, etc.

Special features include provisions for government-owned companies and measures against economic power concentration. The Act empowers the central government and Company Law Board to step in company affairs. It ensures compliance and prevents malpractice. Inspections are done to make sure rules are followed and prevent cheating. Also, there are punishments if rules aren’t followed.

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FAQs
1. What is the Companies Act 1956?

This Companies Act 1956 says about all the provisions required to manage a company. The Act has 658 sections and contains the provisions of companies, MOA, AOA, etc.

2. When was the Companies Act 1956 initiated and amended?

The Companies Act 1956 came into force on 1st of April 1956. The Companies Act 1956 latest amendment was made in 2006. It is renamed as the Companies Amendment Act,2006. The Act came into force on 29th May 2006.

3. Who initiated the Companies Act 1956?

The act was initiated by the Government of India. The MCA and the Offices of ROC have taken the initiative.

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