Difference between Memorandum and Articles of Association`
Basis
Memorandum
Articles
1. Purpose
Lays down the charter of the company
Provides the rules and regulations for the internal administration of the company
2. Scope
States the objects and powers of the company
States the way to achieve the objectives stated in the Memorandum of Association
3. Status
It is the basic document of the company
It is the supplementary document or secondary document of the company.
4. Relationship
It defines the relationship of the company with outside world
It mainly guides the relationship between the company and its shareholders.
5. Whether Compulsory or not
Memorandum of Association is compulsory document. Every company should have its Memorandum of Association
A public limited company can opt for the model set of Articles given as Table A of the Companies Act. They need not have separate Articles of Association.
6. Legal effect
Acts done beyond the scope of memorandum are void, or the company cannot ratify such acts
Acts done beyond the scope the Articles can be ratified
7. Alteration
Alteration of Memorandum is a lengthy process
Alteration of Articles of Association is relatively easier
Basis
Memorandum
Articles
1. Purpose
Lays down the charter of the company
Provides the rules and regulations for the internal administration of the company
2. Scope
States the objects and powers of the company
States the way to achieve the objectives stated in the Memorandum of Association
3. Status
It is the basic document of the company
It is the supplementary document or secondary document of the company.
4. Relationship
It defines the relationship of the company with outside world
It mainly guides the relationship between the company and its shareholders.
5. Whether Compulsory or not
Memorandum of Association is compulsory document. Every company should have its Memorandum of Association
A public limited company can opt for the model set of Articles given as Table A of the Companies Act. They need not have separate Articles of Association.
6. Legal effect
Acts done beyond the scope of memorandum are void, or the company cannot ratify such acts
Acts done beyond the scope the Articles can be ratified
7. Alteration
Alteration of Memorandum is a lengthy process
Alteration of Articles of Association is relatively easier