# Definition and Applicability of the Companies Act
## Definition of 'Company' — Sec. 2(20)
A Company means a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 or any previous company law.
## Short Title — Sec. 1
The Act may be called the Companies Act, 2013.
## Extent
The Act extends to the whole of India.
## Application — to Whom Does the Act Apply?
The provisions of the Act apply to:
1. Companies incorporated under this Act or any previous company law.
2. Insurance Companies — except where inconsistent with the Insurance Act, 1938 or the IRDA Act, 1999.
3. Banking Companies — except where inconsistent with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
4. Electricity Companies — except where inconsistent with the Electricity Act, 2003.
5. Companies governed by a Special Act (e.g., FCI, NHAI) — unless inconsistent with that special Act.
6. Any body corporate specified by the Central Government through notification.
### Key Note — Meaning of 'Except in so far as'
The phrase 'except in so far as' means provisions of the Companies Act will override the corresponding inconsistent provisions of other relevant Acts (Insurance Act, Banking Act, etc.) — i.e., the special Act prevails to the extent of inconsistency.
## 'Body Corporate' or 'Corporation'
Includes: a company incorporated outside India.
Does NOT include:
- A co-operative society registered under any law relating to co-operative societies; and
- Any other body corporate (not being a company) which the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf.