The features of Joint Stock Company are as follows:
(i) Common Seal : A company being an artificial person cannot sign on its own. The law requires every company to have a seal and have its name engraved on it. Common seal is a symbol of company’s incorporate existence. As common seal is the signature of the company, it has to be affixed on all important documents of the company. When the seal is used it has to be witnessed by two Directors of the Company. The common seal is under the custody of Company Secretary
(ii) Registration : The registration of Joint Stock Company is compulsory. All the companies have to be registered under Indian Companies Act, 2013. A private limited company can start its business immediately after getting ‘Incorporation Certificate’ while public limited company has to obtain. “Certificate of Commencement of Business” before it starts business.
(iii) Artificial Legal Person : A company is an artificial person created by law. It has an independent legal status. It has a separate name. It can enter into contracts, buy and sell property in its name. The company is distinct from its members.
(iv) Membership : A company is an association of persons. A private limited company must have atleast two persons and a public limited company must have atleast seven persons. The maximum limit of members for private company is 200. A public company can have unlimited members.
(v) Perpetual Succession : A Joint Stock company enjoys a long and stable life. There is continuity in existence, which means perpetual existence. Life of the company is not affected by life of the shareholders. If a shareholder dies, becomes insolvent or insane, the company will not be closed down. “Members may come and members may go but a company goes on forever”.
(vi) Separation of Ownership and Management: Persons investing in the shares of the company are called as shareholders. They are the owners of the company. They receive a share in the profits of the company called “dividend”. The large number of shareholders cannot manage business. They elect representatives who are collectively called as Board of Directors. They manage business of the Company.
(vii) Registered Office : Registered office of the company is a place where all the important documents of the company are kept e.g., Register of Members, Annual Returns, Minute Books, etc. All correspondence work of the company is done through registered office. The address of the registered office has to be mentioned in the domicile clause of the company.
(viii) Transferability of Shares : Shareholders are the owners of the company. Shares of a public limited company are freely transferable. There is a high degree of liquidity involved in buying shares of the company. Members can buy or sell shares as needed. However, there are restrictions on transferability of shares of a private company.
(ix) Voluntary Association : Any person can purchase shares and become a member of the company. The company is a voluntary association. No difference is made on the basis of religion, caste, creed, etc.
(x) Limited Liability : The liability of shareholders is limited. It depends upon the unpaid amount of shares held by them. Shareholders cannot be held personally liable for the debts of the company.
(xi) Separate Legal Status : The company is created by law. It has a separate legal entity. A company acts independently. The company can take legal action against anybody in its individual capacity.
