Society Registration

Society regisration under Society Registration Act is essential for societies with objectives spanning education, science, religion, charity, and more. Only registered societies can possess vested properties or engage in legal actions. Mandatory Society registration applies when a society comprises at least twenty members or has an annual income exceeding ten thousand rupees. Submission of the application in the prescribed format, along with bylaws and necessary documents, to the registrar is a prerequisite. Once the Registrar confirms compliance with all legal requirements, a society registration certificate is issued to the society. This certification grants societies the authority to hold properties and engage in legal proceedings as outlined in the Act and its rules.

The society's Memorandum must be printed or typed, and the by-laws need signatures from those who signed the Memorandum. The Memorandum should detail the society's name, objectives, committee members' names, addresses, and occupations, along with the society's by-laws.

Every registered society is required to maintain a list of members and have a committee comprising no fewer than three members.
This committee is responsible for managing the society's affairs.
Members of the committee are appointed during a society meeting, serving a term of up to three years, with eligibility for reappointment.
Proper annual financial records must be maintained by every registered society, and at least one general meeting should be conducted each financial year.

To become a member of the society, individuals must submit

PAN Card
Aadhar Card.

Two witnesses are required, providing either

Aadhar Card
Voter id
Driving Licence
Mobile number and mail id
Objective of society formation

If the Office is rental, rental agreement is essential
Electricity bill (Not more than two months old required to be submitted) for proof of occupancy
Occupant needs to provide a No Objection Certificate from landlord to operate the business (NOC) if space is not rented.

FAQ'S

Yes. A special general body meeting can be called within 40 days upon receiving a requisition from 1/3 of the members, specifying the purpose for the meeting.

A member may face a fine under Section 28 for engaging in unlawful activities.

A Society or Association, a group dedicated to non-profitable service, can opt for optional registration. Registration grants legal recognition, enabling lawful and disciplined operation. The society gains the ability to initiate legal actions and defend itself in legal matters.

Yes, as per Section 24, since society records are considered public records, any individual can obtain a copy and present it as evidence.

Annually, within fifteen days of the General Body meeting, the society must submit a list to the Registrar of Societies. This list should include the names and addresses of the Managing Committee (Executive Committee) members and officers responsible for society management.

The Executive Committee is required to convene at least once every three months, while the General Body should meet at least once a year. Any amendments made must be filed with the Registrar, and minutes of all meetings should also be submitted to the Registrar of Societies. The society is responsible for electing Executive Committee members in accordance with its bylaws.

Executive Committee shall meet at least once in three months; and General Body shall meet at least once in a year.
Amendments, if any, made shall be filed with Registrar.
Minutes of all the meetings shall be filed with the Registrar of Societies.
Society shall elect Executive Committee members as per its bylaws.

Modifications to the Memorandum require approval in a special General Body Meeting, with notice given. A second special General Body Meeting, held after 30 days, also needs approval. For Byelaw amendments, majority approval in a Special General Body Meeting is necessary. Any amended by-laws must be filed with the Registrar within one month.