Definitions

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--- (a) "competent authority" means the authority appointed under section 4 of this Act; (b) "deposit" means the deposit of money either in lump sum or by instalments made in a financial establishment for a fixed period, for interest or for properties or for return in any kind or for any service; (c) "financial establishment" means a person, an association of persons, a partnership firm or a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (Central Act I of 1956) carrying on the business of receiving deposits under any scheme or arrangement or in any other manner but does not include a corporation or a co-operative society under the ownership or control of any State Government or of the Central Government or a banking company as defined in clause (c) of section 5 of the Banking Regulation Act; (d) "Government" means the Government of Kerala; (e) "property" includes movable and immovable properties; (f) "Special Court" means a special court constituted under section 7 of this Act.