The document discusses the doctrine of ultra vires under the Indian Companies Act of 1956. It defines ultra vires as an act beyond the powers specified in a company's memorandum of association. An ultra vires act is void and cannot be ratified. The doctrine originated with statutory companies being required to specify their objectives in a memorandum of association. A key case established that contracts outside these objectives were invalid. Exceptions allow shareholders to ratify intra vires acts done irregularly or amend the memorandum to allow previously ultra vires acts. The position in India remains unchanged from the original rulings, unlike modifications made in England.