Law Governing Companies – I

 

📘 Law Governing Companies – I (Companies Act, 2017)

4.1 Introduction to Companies Act, 2017

Definition:
The Companies Act, 2017 is a legal framework that governs the formation, management, regulation, and dissolution of companies in Pakistan.

Purpose:

  • Modernize corporate law
  • Promote ease of doing business
  • Ensure corporate governance and investor protection

Business Advantage:
Provides a legal structure for starting and growing businesses with transparency and accountability.


4.2 Company Courts

These are special courts or judicial benches designated to deal with company law disputes such as:

  • Mismanagement
  • Fraud
  • Winding up

Example:
If a company is involved in shareholder dispute, it goes to a company bench of a High Court.


4.3 Corporate Law Authority (Now SECP)

Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the regulatory body under the Companies Act.

Functions:

  • Company registration
  • Regulation of stock exchanges
  • Licensing and compliance
  • Investor protection

Business Relevance:
Ensures companies follow rules and maintain transparency.


4.4 Registration of Company

Types of Companies:

  1. Private Limited Company
  2. Public Limited Company
  3. Single Member Company (SMC)

Steps:

  1. Name reservation via SECP portal
  2. Submission of documents (MoA, AoA, Form 29, etc.)
  3. Payment of fee
  4. Issuance of incorporation certificate

Advantage:
Legal identity, limited liability, access to credit.


4.5 Memorandum of Association (MoA)

A fundamental document that defines the external boundaries of a company.

Contains:

  • Name Clause
  • Registered Office Clause
  • Object Clause
  • Liability Clause
  • Capital Clause

Example:
If a textile company includes real estate in its MoA, it can legally enter that business.


4.6 Name of Company

Name must:

  • Be unique and not misleading
  • Not violate trademarks
  • End with (Pvt) Ltd, Ltd., or SMC depending on type

SECP reserves names for 60 days.

Business Tip:
A good name reflects branding and legal credibility.


4.7 Registered Office

The official address of the company where legal documents are served.

Example:
A company's office in Islamabad mentioned in MoA will be its legal domicile.


4.8 Object Clause

Specifies activities the company is allowed to conduct.

Importance:

  • Prevents ultra vires acts (acts beyond company’s scope)
  • Guides directors and investors

Example:
A logistics company cannot start a restaurant unless the object clause permits.


4.9 Capital Clause of Memorandum

States:

  • Authorized capital (maximum limit)
  • Division into shares (e.g., 1 million shares of Rs. 10 each)

Types of Capital:

  • Authorized Capital
  • Issued Capital
  • Paid-up Capital

4.10 Articles of Association (AoA)

Internal rulebook of the company.

Covers:

  • Powers of directors
  • Voting rights
  • Meetings
  • Dividend policy

Example:
AoA may specify that quorum for board meeting is 3 directors.


4.11 Promoters

Persons who:

  • Formulate the idea
  • Organize and register the company
  • Arrange capital and documentation

Duties:

  • Act in good faith
  • Disclose personal interests

Example:
Ali and Sara promote a software startup by raising capital and filing incorporation.


4.12 Contracts

Types:

  • Pre-incorporation contracts: Not binding unless ratified after incorporation
  • Post-incorporation contracts: Binding as company is a legal entity

Example:
Promoters buying land before registration must have the contract approved by the new company.


4.13 Prospectus

A public document issued by a public company inviting the public to buy shares or debentures.

Must Include:

  • Business details
  • Risk factors
  • Financial status

Legal Requirement: Must be filed with SECP before issuing.


4.14 Commission, Discount and Premium

  • Commission: Payment to agents/brokers for share subscription.
  • Discount: Issue of shares below face value (prohibited under 2017 Act).
  • Premium: Shares issued above face value.

Example:
A Rs. 10 share sold for Rs. 15 has a Rs. 5 premium.


4.15 Allotment of Shares

Process by which shares are allocated to applicants.

Procedure:

  1. Receipt of application
  2. Board resolution
  3. Filing with SECP
  4. Entry into register

4.16 Commencement of Business

  • Private Company: Starts business upon incorporation.
  • Public Company: Needs Certificate of Commencement of Business from SECP.

Example:
XYZ Ltd must get approval from SECP even after registration to legally begin operations.


4.17 Membership

Persons who agree to become shareholders.

Methods:

  • Subscription
  • Application and allotment
  • Transmission

Members' Rights:

  • Vote
  • Dividend
  • Attend meetings

4.18 Share Capital

Funds raised by issuing shares.

Types:

  • Equity Share Capital
  • Preference Share Capital

Business Relevance:
Essential for financing operations, attracting investors, and scaling growth.


4.19 Shares and Certificates

Shares: Units of ownership in a company
Share Certificate: Proof of ownership issued to shareholders

Types of Shares:

  • Ordinary
  • Preference
  • Redeemable

4.20 Transfer and Transmission of Shares

  • Transfer: Voluntary sale/gift of shares.
  • Transmission: Involuntary transfer due to death, inheritance.

Process:

  • Submission of forms
  • Approval by board
  • Updating share register

4.21 Directors

Persons elected by shareholders to manage the company.

Role:

  • Set strategy
  • Appoint executives
  • Ensure compliance

Qualifications:

  • Must meet SECP fit & proper criteria
  • Minimum 2 for private; 3 for public companies

4.22 Chief Executive

Also known as CEO or Managing Director

Appointed by:

  • Board of Directors

Responsibilities:

  • Day-to-day management
  • Execution of policies
  • Reporting to board

Why Business Students Must Learn Company Law

Benefit

Description

Legal Literacy

Understand legal structure of businesses

Startup Readiness

Know how to incorporate and run a company

Investor Protection

Learn about rights, risks, and compliance

Corporate Governance

Know directors' duties and legal obligations

Strategic Growth

Understand share capital, equity, and expansion

 

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