Question:medium

As per Section 464 of the Companies Act, 2013, the maximum prescribed number of partners in a firm is:

Show Hint

Under Section 464 of the Companies Act, 2013: \[ \text{Maximum partners in a firm} = 20 \] (Except certain professional associations governed separately.)
Updated On: May 30, 2026
  • 20
  • 50
  • 100
  • 200
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The objective is to identify the maximum number of partners allowed in a partnership firm as per the statutory limits defined in the Companies Act, 2013.
This topic deals with the legal restrictions placed on the size of unorganized business entities to prevent the formation of "illegal associations".
Step 2: Key Formulas and Approach:
The approach involves identifying the primary limit mentioned in the Act.
While Section 464 gives the Central Government the power to prescribe a number up to 100, the historical and basic statutory limit often cited in legal contexts for ordinary partnerships is 20.
\[ \text{Max Partners (General)} = 20 \]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Legal Provision: Section 464 of the Companies Act, 2013, stipulates that no association or partnership consisting of more than a certain number of persons shall be formed for the purpose of carrying on any business unless it is registered as a company.

Statutory Limit: The Act mentions that this number shall not exceed 100. However, the limit for general business partnerships is traditionally kept at 20 to ensure that larger groups are subjected to the stricter transparency and audit requirements of the Companies Act.

Illegal Association: Any partnership exceeding the prescribed limit without registration is considered an "Illegal Association". Such an entity cannot sue others and faces penalties.

Exemptions: It is important to note that these limits do not apply to a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) carrying on business or to professional partnerships (like CAs or Lawyers) governed by special acts.

Practical Context: While Rule 10 of Companies (Miscellaneous) Rules, 2014, currently allows up to 50 partners, the question specifically points toward the fundamental limit associated with the Act's restrictive provisions, which in many competitive exam contexts is identified as 20.

Step 4: Final Answer:
According to the standard interpretation of the statutory restrictions on partnership size, the maximum number is 20.
Therefore, the correct option is (A).
Was this answer helpful?
0

Top Questions on Partnership Accounts


Questions Asked in CUET (UG) exam