# Definition of 'Company' and Scope of the Act
## Definition - Section 2(20)
> A 'company' means a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 or under any of the previous laws relating to companies.
This is a circular but meaningful definition - what makes a company a company is the act of incorporation under company law.
## To Whom Does the Act Apply?
The Act applies to:
| # | Type of Entity | Special Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Companies incorporated under this Act or any previous company law | Fully applicable |
| 2 | Insurance companies | Applies except where inconsistent with Insurance Act, 1938 / IRDA Act, 1999 |
| 3 | Banking companies | Applies except where inconsistent with Banking Regulation Act, 1949 |
| 4 | Companies in generation/supply of electricity | Applies except where inconsistent with Electricity Act, 2003 |
| 5 | Any company governed by a special Act | Applies except where inconsistent with that special Act |
| 6 | Body corporate incorporated by any Act, as Central Government may notify | Applies as notified |
## Examples of Category 6
- Food Corporation of India (FCI)
- National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)
## Key Pattern to Remember
For regulated sectors (insurance, banking, electricity), the special law prevails to the extent of inconsistency. The Companies Act fills the gaps.