Explain the eligibility of memberships of a company.

• The organization is formed and managed by persons termed as ‘Member’.
• So it is rightly said organization is by ‘member’ and ‘only for members’.
• Any entity i.e. person or organization who is competent to make a contract can become a member of the company.
• Subject to provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Memorandum of Association, and Articles of Association, any person who is legally competent to manage their own affairs (‘Sui-Juris) can become a member of the company.

Eligibility Criteria:

(A) Individuals:

• Major person: Any person domiciled (staying) in India, having completed 18 years of age, having a sound mind, and not be disqualified by law can become a member of the company.
• Minor: A minor cannot be a member of a company but a guardian can be a member of a company on behalf of a minor.
• Insolvent: Insolvent person cannot be a member of a company as his beneficial rights of shareholding are held by the Official Receiver, an officer appointed by the court.
• Insane/Lunatic: Insane/Lunatic person is unable to enter into a contract which makes him ineligible to be a member of a company.
• Foreigner: A foreigner or Non-resident Indian can become a member of a company, subject to provisions of FEMAAct, 1999.

(B) Organizations:

• Company: A company being a legal person can be a member of another company if authorized by its Memorandum of Association. It cannot be a member of its own company.
• Co-operative Society: Since cooperative societies are registered entity, they can be a member of the company.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Such, firms are treated as a juristic person, hence it can be a member of the company.
• Hindu Undivided Family: HUF firm is prohibited to be a member of a Company, but ‘Karta’ can buy a share in his name on behalf of Hindu Undivided Family firm.
• Partnership Firm: Since the partnership firm is not a registered entity. It cannot be a member of the company. But partners themselves can buy shares in their individual names.
• Trust: Registered trust can become a member of a company in its own name.