Features Of A Partnership

1] Formation/Contract

A partnership firm is not a separate legal entity. But according to the act, a firm must be formed via a legal agreement between all the partners. So a contract must be entered into to form a partnership firm.

Its business activity must be lawful, and the motive should be one of profit. So two people forming an alliance to carry out charity and/or social work will not constitute a partnership. Similarly, a partnership contract to carry out illegal work, such as smuggling, is void as well.

2] Unlimited Liability

In a unique feature, all partners have unlimited liability in the business. The partners are all individually and jointly liable for the firm and the payment of all debts. This means that even personal assets of a partner can be liquidated to meet the debts of the firm.

If the money is recovered from a single partner, he can, in turn, sue the other partners for their share of the debt as per the contract of the partnership.

3] Continuity

A partnership cannot carry out in perpetuity. The death or retirement or bankruptcy or insolvency or insanity of a partner will dissolve the partnership. The remaining partners may continue the partnership if they so choose, but a new contract must be drawn up. Also, the partnership of a father cannot be inherited by his son. If all the other partners agree, he can be added on as a new partner.

4] Number of Members

As we know that there should be a minimum of two members for a partnership. However, the maximum number will vary according to a few conditions. The Partnership Act itself is silent on this issue, but the Companies Act, 2013 provides clarity.

For a banking business, the number of partners must not exceed ten. For a business of any other nature, the maximum number is twenty. If the number of partners increases it will become an illegal entity or association.

5] Mutual Agency

In a partnership, the business must be carried out by all the partners together. Or alternatively, it can be carried out by any of the partners (one or several) acting for all of them or on behalf of all of them. So this means every partner is an agent as well as the principal of the partnership.

He represents the other partners in some cases so he is their agent. But in other circumstances, he is bound by the actions of any of the other partners aking him the principal as well.

2] Unlimited Liability

In a unique feature, all partners have unlimited liability in the business. The partners are all individually and jointly liable for the firm and the payment of all debts. This means that even personal assets of a partner can be liquidated to meet the debts of the firm.

If the money is recovered from a single partner, he can, in turn, sue the other partners for their share of the debt as per the contract of the partnership.

Types Of Partners

Active Partner: As the name suggests he takes active participation in the business of the firm. He contributes to the capital, has a share in the profit and also participates in the daily activities of the firm. His liability in the firm will be unlimited. And he often will act as an agent for the other partners.

Dormant Partner: Also known as a sleeping partner, he will not participate in the daily functioning of the business. But he will still have to make his share of contribution to the capital. In return, he will have a share in the profits. His liability will also be unlimited.

Secret Partner: Here the partner’s association with the firm is not public knowledge. He will not represent the firm to outside agents or parties. Other than this his participation with respect to capital, profits, management and liability will be the same as all the other partners.

Nominal Partner: This partner is only a partner in name. He allows the firm to use the name of his firm, and the attached goodwill. But he in no way contributes to the capital and hence has no share in the profits. He does not involve himself in the firm’s business. But his liability too will be unlimited.

Partner by Estoppel: If a person makes it out to be, through their conduct or behaviour, that they are partners in a firm and he does not correct them, then he becomes a partner by estoppel. However, this partner too will have unlimited liability.