Keywords : Central Society, Committee, Co-Operative with Limited Liability, Consumers Society, Deputy Registrar, Family, Farming Society, Federal Society, Financing Bank, General Society, Housing Society, Joint Registrar, Liquidator, Marketing Society, Multi-Purpose Society, Other Backward Classes, Producers Society, Processing Society, Resource Society, Society, State Co-Operative Bank

MADHYA PRADESH/CHHATTISGARH CO-OPERATIVE
SOCIETIES ACT, 1960
(No. 17 of 1961)
C O N T E N T S
Pg. No.
List of amending Acts 20
Sections –
CHAPTER I – Preliminary
Preamble 24

  1. Short title, extent and commencement. 24
  2. Definitions. 24
    CHAPTER II – Registration
  3. Registrar and other officers. 36
  4. Societies which may be registered. 38
  5. Registration of societies with limited or 38
    unlimited liability.
  6. Conditions of registration. 38
  7. Application for registration. 40
  8. Power of Registrar to decide certain questions. 40
  9. Registration. 40
  10. Classification of societies. 42
  11. Amendment of byelaws of a society. 44
  12. Power to direct amendment of byelaws. 44
  13. Change of name. 46
  14. Certain certificates to be conclusive evidence. 46
  15. Change of liability of society from limited to 46
    unlimited or vice-versa.
  16. Reorganization of societies. 48
    16-A. Collaboration by Societies. 54
    16-B. Partnership of societies. 54
    16-C. Government’s power to make scheme of 56
    reorganization in the public interest
    (for Chhattisgarh only)
  17. Compromise or arrangement for repayment 56
    of liabilities and reconstruction of societies.
    17-A. Action and liability of Banks under 58
    moratorium.
    17-B. Liability of new Bank to repay to the Deposit 60
    Insurance Corporation.
  18. Cancellation of registration. 60
    18-A. De-registration of Societies. 60
    CHAPTER III
    Members, their rights, liabilities and privileges
  19. Persons who may become members. 62
    19-A. Disqualification of member. 66
    19-AA.Disqualification for membership of committee 68
    19-B. Effect of subsequent disabilities. 68
    2
    19-C. Expulsion of members. 68
  20. Nominal members. 70
  21. No rights of membership to be exercised till 72
    due payments are made.
  22. Votes of members. 72
  23. Manner of exercising vote. 74
  24. Restrictions on holding of share capital by a 74
    member.
  25. Restrictions on transfer of shares or interest. 76
  26. Transfer of interest on death of member. 76
  27. Share or deposit or interest not liable to 76
    attachment.
  28. Rights of members to see books, etc. 78
  29. Liability of a past member or the estate of a 78
    deceased member.
  30. Insolvency of members. 78
    CHAPTER IV
    Duties, Privileges, Property and Funds of Societies
  31. Societies to be bodies corporate. 80
  32. Address of society and display of name. 80
  33. Register of members. 80
  34. Proof of entries in society’s books. 82
    34-A. Societies to give pass books to member. 82
  35. Exemption from compulsory registration 84
    of instruments.
  36. Borrowings. 84
  37. Restrictions on loans. 86
    37-A. Society not to recover or receive interest 86
    greater than the principal from members
    belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
    Tribes. (for M.P. only)
    37-A. Society not to recover or receive interest 88
    greater than the principal. (for Chhattisgarh only)
  38. Restrictions on other transactions with 88
    non-members.
  39. Charge and set-off in respect of share or 88
    interest of members.
  40. Prior claim of society on certain assets. 90
  41. First charge of co-operative societies on 92
    certain assets.
    41-A. Right of society to acquire and dispose of 94
    immovable property.
  42. Deduction from salary to meet society’s 96
    claim in certain cases.
  43. Funds and profits. 96
    43-A. Appropriation of profits. 98
    43-B. Liability for deficit. 100
  44. Investment of funds. 100
  45. Grant of State aid to societies. 102
    3
  46. Employees’ Provident Fund. 102
  47. Power to direct affiliation to Federal Society. 104
    47-A. Apex Society. 104
    CHAPTER V – Management of Societies
  48. Final authority in society. 106
    48-A. Disqualifications for holding specified office. 112
    48-B. Representatives and Delegates. 114
    48-C. Powers of committee. 114
  49. Annual General Meeting. 116
    49-A. Omitted.
    49-B. Annulment of proceedings of society by 122
    successor committee.
    49-C. Government’s powers to give directions in 122
    public interest, etc.
    49-D. Registrar’s power to give directions to make 124
    regulations.
    49-E. Appointment of Managing Director and Chief 126
    Executive Officer in certain circumstances.
  50. Special General Meeting. 128
    50-A. Disqualification for being candidate on voter 128
    for election to committee or representative
    or delegate of society.
    50-AA.Omitted.
  51. Validation of acts. 130
  52. Power to appoint Government nominees. 130
    52-A. Omitted.
    52-B. Representation of women members on committee. 132
  53. Supersession of committee. 132
    53-A. Taking over of charge. 140
    53-B. Power of Registrar to remove an Officer of a 142
    society in certain circumstances.
  54. Appointment of Managers, Secretaries and 142
    other officers.
  55. Registrar’s power to determine conditions of 144
    employment in societies.
  56. Registrar’s power to enforce performance of 144
    obligation.
  57. Registrar’s power to seize records, etc. 146
    57-A. Taking possession of record and property. 146
    CHAPTER VI
    Audit, Inquiry, Inspection and Supervision
  58. Audit and Audit fee. 148
    58-A. Audit Board. 150
    58-B. Procedure for making good losses caused to 150
    a society.
  59. Inquiry. 152
    59-A. Duty of certain persons to assist enquiry. 154
  60. Inspection of books of society. 154
    4
  61. Rectification of defects. 156
  62. Costs of inquiry. 156
  63. Omitted.
    63-A. Expenditure on proceedings, etc. 158
    CHAPTER VII – Disputes and Arbitration
  64. Disputes. 158
  65. Limitation. 160
  66. Settlement of dispute. 162
  67. Procedure for settlement of disputes and power 162
    of Registrar, his nominee or board of nominee.
  68. Attachment before award. 164
    CHAPTER VIII – Liquidation
  69. Winding up of Societies. 164
    69-A. Winding up of Co-operative Bank. 166
    69-B. Reimbursement of Deposit Insurance 166
    Corporation in case of Insured Bank.
  70. Appointment of Liquidator. 168
    70-A. Control of liquidator. 168
  71. Powers of Liquidator. 168
  72. Disposal of surplus assets of liquidated 172
    societies.
    CHAPTER VIII – A (Applicable to M.P. only)
    Special Provisions for Co-operative Housing Societies
    72-A. Application of Chapter. 172
    72-B. Member’s entitlement for plot, house and 172
    amenities and the liability of the cost.
    72-C. Restriction on membership of housing society. 176
    72-D. Offences. 176
    72-E. Penalties for offences. 176
    CHAPTER IX
    Offences and Penalties
  73. Prohibition of use of work ‘Co-operative’. 178
  74. Offences. 178
  75. Penalties for offences. 180
  76. Cognizance of offences. 182
    CHAPTER X (Applicable to M.P. only)
    Constitution of Tribunal
  77. Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal. 182
    77-A. Review. 186
    77-B. Tribunal to exercise powers of a civil Court. 188
  78. Appeals before the Registrar and Tribunal. 188
    78-A. Extension of period of limitation by appellate 190
    authority in certain cases.
  79. No appeal or revision in certain cases. 190
  80. Transfer or withdrawal of cases. 190
    5
    80-A. Power of Registrar to call for proceedings of 192
    subordinate Officers and committee of a
    society and to pass orders thereon.
    80-B. Transfer of pending cases. 192
    CHAPTER X (Applicable to Chhattisgarh only)
  81. Appeal. 192
  82. Revision. 194
  83. No appeal or revision in certain cases. 196
  84. Review. 196
    80-A. Extension of period of limitation by appellate 196
    authority in certain cases.
    80-B. Transfer or withdrawal of cases. 196
    80-C. Power to make interlocutory orders. 198
    80-D. Stay of execution of orders. 198
    80-E. Transfer of pending cases. 198
    80-F. 198
    CHAPTER XI
    Miscellaneous
  85. Recovery of sums due to Government. 198
    81-A. Power of financing Bank to proceed against 200
    defaulting members of co-operative society.
  86. Bar of jurisdiction of Courts. 200
  87. Recovery of costs. 202
  88. Enforcement of charge. 202
    84-A. Recovery of sums due to housing society. 204
  89. Execution of orders, etc. 204
    85-A. Manner of executing order to deliver 204
    possession of immovable property.
  90. Service of notice. 206
  91. Registrar and other officers etc. to be public 208
    servants.
  92. Indemnity for acts done in good faith. 208
  93. Powers of civil Courts. 208
  94. Registrar or person empowered by him to be 208
    a civil Court for certain purposes.
  95. Omitted.
  96. Companies Act not to apply. 208
  97. Certain other Acts not to apply to Co-op. 210
    Societies.
  98. Notice necessary in suits. 210
  99. Power to make rules. 210
  100. Repeal and savings. 218
    6
    MADHYA PRADESH/CHHATTISGARH
    CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT, 1960
    (M.P. Act No.17 of 1961)
    LIST OF AMENDING ACTS
    As amended subsequently by –
  101. M.P. Act No. 1 of 1968, w.e.f. 5.2.1968;
  102. M.P. Act No. 8 of 1970, w.e.f. 12.2.1970 but some provisions came into
    effect on 15.12.1969 vide M.P.Ord.25 of 1969;
  103. M.P. Act No.4 of 1971, w.e.f.21.11.1970 and 22.11.1970 vide M.P.
    Ordinances 11 and 12 of 1970;
  104. M.P. Act No.14 of 1976, w.e.f. 12.3.1976 but certain provisions came
    into effect on 5.12.1975 as per notification issued under M.P. Ordinance
    22 of 1975. Amendments relating to Chapter X came into force on 1-5-
    1999.
  105. M.P. Act 53 of 1976, w.e.f. 7.10.1976;
  106. M.P. Act 5 of 1978 – Amendments came into effect on 24.11.1977 vide
    M.P. Ordinance 11 of 1977 except amendment relating to S.53 which
    came into force on 4.4.1978;
  107. M.P. Act 7 of 1979, w.e.f. 12.4.1979;
  108. M.P. Act 29 of 1979, w.e.f. 11.9.1979;
  109. M.P. Act 5 of 1980, w.e.f. 12.4.1979;
  110. M.P. Act 9 of 1981, w.e.f. 12.4.1979;
  111. M.P. Act 3 of 1982, w.e.f. 13.1.1982;
  112. M.P. Act 28 of 1982, w.e.f.29.10.1982, except amendment relating to
    S.49 (7-B) which became operative on 18.6.1982, vide M.P. Ordinance
    No.6 of 1982;
  113. M.P. Act 10 of 1984, Amendments came into effect on 2.12.1983, vide
    M.P. Ordinance 10 of 1983;
  114. M.P. Act3 of 1985, w.e.f. 15.2.1985, but amendments made in S.49(7-
    B) with effect from 31.12.1984, vide M.P. Ord. 27 of 1984;
  115. M.P. Act 23 of 1986, w.e.f. 21.7.1986;
  116. M.P. Act 4 of 1987, w.e.f. 14.7.1986 vide M.P. Ord. 2 of 1986;
  117. M.P. Act 3 of 1988, w.e.f. 6.10.1987 vide M.P. Ord. 4 of 1987;
  118. M.P. Act 25 of 1988, w.e.f. 28.6.1988 vide M.P. Ord. 3 of 1988;
  119. M.P. Act 14 of 1990, w.e.f. 31.7.1990 but some provisions came into
    effect on 26.4.1990 by virtue of M.P. Ord.2 pf 1990;
  120. M.P. Act 13 of 1991, w.e.f. 26.4.1991 vide M.P. Ord. 3 of 1991;
  121. M.P. Act 12 of 1994, w.e.f. 8.5.1994;
  122. M.P. Act 30 of 1994, w.e.f. 2.12.1994;
  123. M.P. Act 22 of 1995, w.e.f. 22.6.1995;
  124. M.P. Act 7 of 1997, w.e.f. 6.2.1997;
  125. M.P. Act 33 of 1998, w.e.f. 3.11.1998;
  126. M.P. Act 20 of 1999, w.e.f. 7.8.1999;
  127. M.P. Act 17 of 2000, w.e.f. 13.6.2000;
  128. M.P. Act 2 of 2001, w.e.f. 17.1.2001 (Applicable in Madhya Pradesh
    only);
  129. C.G. Act 11 of 2001, w.e.f. 14.9.2001 (Applicable in Chhattisgarh
    only);
    7
  130. M.P. Act 1 of 2002, w.e.f. 5.1.2002 (Applicable in Madhya Pradesh
    only);
  131. C.G. Act 33 of 2002, w.e.f. 1.3.2002 (Applicable in Chhattisgarh only);
  132. C.G. Ordinance 4 of 2003, w.e.f. 1.3.2003 (Applicable in Chhattisgarh
    only);
  133. C.G. Act 20 of 2003, w.e.f. 9.9.2003 (Applicable in Chhattisgarh only);
    and
  134. M.P. Act 34 of 2003, shall come into force on such date as the State
    Govt. may, by notification, appoint.(Applicable in Madhya Pradesh
    only).
  135. MP. Bill No.10 of 2005 published in the Madhya Pradesh gazette dated
    5th May 2005.
  136. M.P. Act 23 of 2005 published in the Madhya Pradesh gazette dated 2nd
    Sept.2005.
    37 Madhya Pradesh Ordinance No.6 of 2007 published in MP Gazette on 5th
    October having been assented by the Governor on 4th October.
    THE MADHYA PRADESH/CHHATTISGARH
    CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT, 1960
    (No.17 of 1961)
    (Received the assent of the President on 28-4-1961, the assent first
    published in M.P. Gaz. on 12-5-1961)
    (An Act to organize and develop co-operatives as democratic
    instruments and people’s institutions based on self help, and mutual aid, and for
    curbing exploitation and ensuring socio-economic development of people with
    particular emphasis on weaker sections of society.)
    Be it enacted by the Madhya Pradesh Legislature in the Eleventh Year
    of the Republic of India as follows:-
    CHAPTER I
    PRELIMINARY
  137. Short title, extent and commencement.-(1) This Act may be called the
    Madhya Pradesh Co-operative Societies Act, 1960.
    (2) It extends to the whole of Madhya Pradesh.
    (3) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by
    notification, appoint.
  138. Definitions.-In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
    (a) “Additional Registrar” means an Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies appointed under section 3;
    (a-i) ‘Apex Society’ means a society whose principal object is to
    provide facilities for the operation of other societies affiliated to it and whose
    are of operation extends to the whole State of Madhya Pradesh;
    (b) “Assistant Registrar” means an Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies appointed under section 3;
    (b-i) “Area of operation” means the area from which the membership
    is drawn or as specified in the byelaws of the society;
    8
    (c) “bye-laws” means the bye-laws registered or deemed to have
    been registered under this Act and for the time being in force, and includes a
    registered amendment of the bye-laws;
    Clause (c-i) – as applicable to M.P. only
    (c-i) “Central Society” means a Co-operative Land Development
    Bank or any other society whose area of operation is confined to a part of the
    State and which has as its principal object the promotion of the principal
    objects and the provision of facilities for the operation of same type of societies
    and for other societies affiliated to it and not less than five members of which
    are societies;
    Clause (c-i) – as applicable to Chhattisgarh only
    (c-i) “Central Society” means a District Co-operative Agriculture and
    Rural Development Bank or any other society, whose area of operation is
    confined to a part of the State and which has as its object the promotion of the
    objects of the member societies, and which has at least five societies as its
    members;
    (c-ii) “Central Co-operative Bank” means a resource society
    registered or deemed to be registered under this Act, which is either licensed
    under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) or permitted by the
    Reserve Bank of India to do banking business till so licensed, and
    (i) has area of operation confined to part of the State; and
    (ii) has as its principal object, the creation of funds and the
    obtaining credit, goods or services for and providing credit, goods or services
    as loan to Co-operative Societies affiliated to it for agriculture, industrial and
    other allied purposes;
    (c-iii) ‘Company’ means a Company as defined in section 3 of the Com
    panies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956);
    (c-iv) “Co-operative Union” means a registered society which has as
    its principal object the undertaking of co-operative education, propaganda,
    training and extension of co-operative services;
    (d) “Committee” means the Board of a management by whatever
    name called constituted under section 48;
    (d-i) “Co-operative Bank” means a State Co-operative Bank, a
    Central Co-operative Bank, and a Primary Co-operative Bank, registered or
    deemed to be registered under this Act;
    (d-ii) “Co-operative credit structure” means the Madhya Pradesh State
    Co-operative Bank or Central Co-operative Bank or Primary Agriculture Credit
    Co-operative Society;
    (e) “Co-operative Society with limited liability” means a society
    having the liability of its members limited by its bye-laws to the amount, if any,
    unpaid on the shares respectively held by them or to such amount as they may,
    respectively, undertake to contribute to the assets of the society in the event of
    its being wound up;
    (e-i) “Chief executive Officer” means an individual appointed under
    section 49-E and who subject to superintendence, control and direction of the
    Board of Directors, has been entrusted by the Board of Directors with the
    management of the affairs of the society”;
    (g) “Consumers’ Society” means a society formed with the object of
    obtaining or producing and processing and distributing goods to or performing
    other services for its members, as well as for other customers and dividing
    9
    among its members and customers in a proportion as may be laid down in the
    bye-laws of such society, the profits accruing from such supply, production,
    processing and distribution;
    (g-i) “delegate” means a person elected by a group of individual
    members to represent them in the general body of the society in accordance
    with the bye-laws of the society;
    (g-ii) “Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation” means
    the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation established under the
    Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of
    1961);
    (h) “Deputy Registrar” means a Deputy Registrar of Co-operative
    Societies appointed under section 3;
    Clause (hh) – as applicable to Madhya Pradesh only
    (hh) “Development Bank” means a Co-operative Land Development
    Bank registered or deemed to be registered under this Act;
    Clause (hh) – as applicable to Chhattisgarh only
    (hh) “Development Bank” means a District Co-operative Agricultural
    and Rural Development Bank or the Chhattisgarh State Co-operative
    Agriculture and Rural Development Bank registered or deemed to be registered
    under this Act;
    (i) “Family” means a person, his spouse, his children, dependent on
    him and his other relations dependent on him and jointly residing with him;
    (j) “Farming Society” means a society formed with the object of
    promoting development of land and better methods of cultivation, and includes
    a better farming society, tenant farming society, collective farming society,
    joint farming society, irrigation society and a crop protection society;
    (k) “Federal Society” means a society of which not less than fifty
    per cent of the share capital, excluding Government share capital is held by
    Societies;
    (l) “Financing Bank” means a society, the objects of which is the
    creation of funds to be lent to other societies or its individual members, and
    includes State Co-operative Bank, Co-operative Agriculture and Rural
    Development Bank, Central Co-operative Bank, Primary Urban Co-operative
    Bank and District Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank;
    (l-i) “Financing Institution” means a National or State level Cooperative Institution or organization, which provides financial assistance or
    advance or loan to a Co-operative Society or an individual;”; (m) “General Society” means a society not falling under any of the
    heads (i) to (ix) specified in sub-section (1) of section 10;
    Clause (n) as applicable to Madhya Pradesh only
    “(n)”Housing Society” means a society formed with the object of
    providing its members with residential accommodation;”
    (n-i) ‘Industrial Society’ means a Society formed with the objects of
    promoting development of weavers, carpenters, metal workers, shoe makers or
    any other Society which aims at producing finished goods from raw materials
    of any kind.
    (o) “Joint Registrar” means a Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies
    appointed under section 3:
    (p) “Liquidator” means a person appointed under section-70;
    10
    (q) “Marketing Society” means a society formed for the purpose of
    marketing agricultural or other produce and including among its objects, the
    supply of the requisites of such production;
    (r) “Member” means a person joining in the application for the
    registration of a society or a person admitted to membership after registration
    in accordance with this Act, the rules and the bye-laws applicable to such
    society and includes the State Government when it subscribes to the share
    capital of a society;
    (s) “Multi-purpose Society” means a society which includes amongst its
    objects any of the primary objects specified in any two or more of the clauses
    (g), (n), (v) and (y);
    (s-i) “National Bank” means the National Bank for Agriculture and
    Rural Development established under section 3 of the National Bank for
    Agricultural and Rural Development Act, 1981(No.61 of 1981);
    (t) “Nominal Member” means a person admitted to membership of a
    society under section 20;
    (t-i) “Officer” means a person elected or appointed by a society
    according to its bye-laws to any office of such society and includes a
    Chairman, Vice-Chairman, President, Vice-President, Managing Director,
    Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Member of the Committee and any other person
    elected or appointed under this Act, the rules or the bye-laws to give directions
    in regard to the business of such society;
    (u) “other backward classes” means category of persons belonging to
    backward classes as notified by the State Government;
    (u-i) “Primary Society” means a society which is neither an Apex
    Society nor a Central Society;
    (u-ii) “Primary Agriculture Credit Cooperative Society” means a society
    organized with the main objective of making credit available for agriculture
    production and includes a Primary, Service Cooperative Society and Adimjati
    Sewa Sahakari Samiti.
    (u-iii) ‘Primary Co-operative Bank’ means a resource society other than
    a village or urban resource society not registered as bank, the objects of which
    include creation of funds to be lent to, and obtaining credit to be extended to its
    Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) or permitted by the Reserve Bank of India to
    do banking business till so licensed;
    (v) “Producers’ Society” means a society formed with the object of
    producing and disposing of goods as a collective property of its members and
    includes a society formed with the object of the collective disposal of the
    labour of its members;
    (w) “Processing Society” means a society formed with the object of
    producing goods by mechanical or manual process and includes an industrial
    society and a society for the processing of agricultural commodities;
    (x) “Registrar” means the Registrar of Co-operative Societies appointed
    under section 3;
    (x-i) “Representative” means a member of the society to represent the
    society in other societies;
    (x-ii) “Reserve Bank” means the Reserve Bank of India established
    under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (No.2 of 1934);
    11
    (y) “Resource Society” means a society formed with the object of
    obtaining for its members the credit, goods or services required by them and
    includes a service society and a primary credit society;
    (y-i) “Returning Officer” means a person appointed or approved by the
    Registrar by general or special order for performing the duties of a Returning
    Officer under this Act or the rules made thereunder and includes an officer
    subordinate to the Returning Officer nominated in writing by him to perform
    the duties of Returning Officer and to assist him;”;
    (y-ii) “Scheduled area” means the area which has been declared under
    the Scheduled Area (State of Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa)
    Order, 1977.
    (z) “Society” means a co-operative society registered or deemed to be
    registered under this Act;
    (z-i) “Specified office” means the office of the President or Chairman
    and the Vice-President or Vice-Chairman;”;
    (aa) “State Co-operative Bank” means the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank, Limited;
    (bb) “Student” means a person studying in any educational, vocational
    or training institution;
    Clause (cc) – as applicable to M.P. only
    (cc) “Tribunal” means the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal
    constituted under section 77.
    Clause (cc) – Omitted in Chhattisgarh only
    (cc) (xxx)
    CHAPTER II
    REGISTRATION
  139. Registrar and other officers.-(1) The State Government shall appoint
    a person to be the Registrar of Co-operative Societies for the State and may
    appoint one or more officers of the following categories to assist him, namely:
    (a) Additional Registrar of Co-operative Societies;
    (b) Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies;
    (c) Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies;
    (d) Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies;
    (e) such other categories of officers as may be prescribed.
    (2) The officers appointed to assist the Registrar shall, within such areas as
    the State Government may specify, exercise such powers and perform such
    duties conferred and imposed on the Registrar by or under this Act as the State
    Government may, by special or general order, direct:
    Provided that no officer other than the Additional Registrar or the Joint
    Registrar shall be directed to exercise the powers to hear appeals under section
    78.
    (3) The officers appointed to assist the Registrar shall be subordinate to him
    and shall work under his general guidance, supervision and control.
  140. Societies which may be registered.- Subject to the provisions of this
    Act, a society which has as its objects the promotion of the economic interest of
    its members or their general welfare in accordance with co-operative principles
    12
    or a society established with the object of facilitating the operations of such a
    society, may be registered under this Act.
  141. Registration of societies with limited or unlimited liability.- A
    society may be registered with limited or unlimited liability:
    Provided that unless the State Government by a general or special order
    otherwise directs, the liability of a society of which another society is a
    member shall be limited.
  142. Conditions of registration.- (1) No society, other than a society of
    which another society is a member, shall be registered under this Act unless it
    consists of at least (twenty) persons competent to contract under section 11 of
    the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (IX of 1873) and belonging to (twenty) different
    families, not being near relations and, where the objects of the society include
    the creation of funds to be lent to its members, unless such persons, save where
    the Registrar by general or special order otherwise directs, reside in the same
    town or village or in a compact group of villages:
    Provided that a society formed exclusively for the benefit of students
    may be registered, notwithstanding that the members of such society may not
    have attained the age of majority according to the law to which they are
    subject:
    Provided further that the Registrar may relax the condition of minimum
    membership to that society which is organized for the welfare of the employees
    of any organization/establishment.
    Provided also that in case of a primary society, there shall be at least 33
    per cent. women members at the time of registration:
    Provided also that the Registrar may, for sufficient reasons, relax the
    conditions of the prescribed percentage of women members.
    (2) The word “limited” or its equivalent in any Indian language shall be the
    last word in the name of every society registered with limited liability under
    this Act.
  143. Application and fee for registration.-(1) For purposes of registration,
    an application to register a society shall be made to the Registrar in the
    prescribed form and shall be accompanied by four copies of the proposed byelaws of the society. The person by whom or on whose behalf such application
    is made, shall furnish such information in regard to the society, as the Registrar
    may such information in regard to the society, as the Registrar may require.
    (2) The application shall be signed-
    (a) in the case of a society of which no other society is a
    member, by at least ten persons qualified in accordance
    with the requirements of section 6; and
    (b) in the case of a society of which a member is a registered
    society, by a duly authorized person on behalf of every such registered society
    and where all the members of the society are not registered societies, by ten
    other members, or when there are less than ten other members, by all of them.
    (3) A society shall be registered on the payment of such fee and in
    such manner as may be prescribed.
  144. Power of Registrar to decide certain questions.-Where in connection
    with the formation, registration or continuance of a society or the admission of
    13
    a person as a member of a society any question arises whether a person is an
    agriculturist or not or whether any person resides in a particular area or not or
    whether any person belongs to any particular class or occupation or not or such
    other question pertaining to the eligibility of any person to become a member
    of a society, such question shall be decided by the Registrar and his decision
    shall be final.
  145. Registration.-(1)If the Registrar is satisfied that a society has complied
    with the provisions of this Act and the rules and that its proposed bye-laws are
    not contrary to this Act or the rules, he may register the society and its byelaws with such modifications as he may consider necessary:
    Provided that no society shall be registered, if in the opinion of the
    Registrar, it is likely to be economically unsound or is likely to have an adverse
    effect upon any other society.
    (2) Where the Registrar refuses to register a society or its bye-laws
    he shall communicate the order of refusal together with reasons therefor to the
    first signatory to the application.
    (3) The Registrar shall take a decision within ninety days from the
    date of receipt of an application for registration of a society:
    Provided that where there is a failure on the part of the Registrar to
    dispose of such application within the period aforesaid the Registrar shall
    within the period of fifteen days from the date of expiration of that period, refer
    the application to the next higher officer and where the Registrar himself is the
    registering officer to the State Government, who or which, as the case may be,
    shall dispose of the application within two months from the date of its receipt
    and on the failure of such higher officer or State Government, as the case may
    be, to dispose of the application within that period, the society and its byelaws
    shall be deemed to have been registered.
    (4) The Registrar shall maintain register of societies registered or
    deemed to be registered under this Act.
    9-A. Conversion of co-operative into co-operative society.- Where a cooperative registered under the Madhya Pradesh Swayatta Sahakarita
    Adhiniyam, 1999 (No.2 of 2000) intends to convert itself into society under
    this Act, it may apply for conversion to the Registrar, and if the Registrar is
    satisfied that the co-operative has complied with the provisions of this Act and
    rules made thereunder, and that its byelaws are not contrary to this Act and
    rules made thereunder, he may convert and register the co-operative society in
    accordance with the provisions of this Act.
  146. Classification of Societies. (1) The Registrar shall classify all societies
    under one or more of the following heads, namely:-
    (i) Consumer’s society;
    (ii) Farming society;
    (iii) Federal Society;
    (iv) Central Society;
    (v) Housing Society;
    (vi) Marketing Society;
    (vii) Multipurpose Society;
    (viii) Producers Society;
    (ix) Processing Society;
    (x) Resource Society;
    (xi) General Society;
    14
    (xii) Industrial Society. Provided that a society formed with the object of facilitating the
    operations of any particular class of societies shall be classified as a society of
    that class.
    (1-a) The Registrar may further classify the societies falling under any
    of the heads specified in sub-section (1) under the following heads, namely:
    (a) Apex Society;
    (b) Central Society;
    (c) Primary Society.
    (2) The Registrar for reasons to be recorded in writing may alter the
    classification of any society from one head to another.
    (3) The decision of the Registrar in respect of classification of societies
    shall be final.
  147. Amendment of bye-laws of society.-(1) No amendment of the byelaws of a society shall be valid until the same has been registered under this
    Act, for which purpose four copies of the proposed amendment shall be
    forwarded in the prescribed manner to the Registrar.
    (2) If the Registrar is satisfied that the proposed amendment is not
    contrary to this Act or the rules and is not against the aims and objects of the
    Society or any of its existing bye-laws he may register the amendment within
    thirty days of receipt of the proposed amendment.
    (3) The Registrar shall not refuse to register an amendment of the
    byelaws without giving an opportunity to the applicant society, for being heard.
    If he decides to refuse to register an amendment, he shall communicate the
    order of refusal together with reasons therefor to the society within thirty days
    from the date of receipt of the proposal:
    Provided that, where there is a failure on the part of the Registrar to
    dispose of such application within the period aforesaid, the Registrar shall,
    within a period of fifteen days from the date of expiration of that period, refer
    the application to the next higher officer and where the Registrar himself is the
    registering officer, to the State Government, who or which, as the case may be,
    shall dispose of the application within two months from the date of its receipt
    and on the failure of such higher officer or the State Government, as the case
    may be, to dispose of the application within that period, the amendment of the
    byelaws shall be deemed to have been registered:
    Provided further that in the case of co-operative credit structure the
    provisions of the aforesaid proviso shall not be applicable.
  148. Power to direct amendment of bye-laws.- (1) Notwithstanding
    anything contained in this Act, or the rules or byelaws, on the request of more
    than fifty per cent of the members of the society or if the Registrar considers
    that an amendment of the byelaws of society is necessary or desirable in the
    interest of such society, he may, by an order in writing to be served on the
    society in the prescribed manner, require the society to make the amendment
    within sixty days.
    (2) If the society fails to make the amendment within the time
    specified by the Registrar, the Registrar may after giving the society an
    opportunity of being heard and after soliciting the opinion of such Apex
    15
    Federal society, as may be notified by the State Government, register such
    amendment and issue a certified copy there of to such society:
  149. Change of name.- A society may, by an amendment of its bye-laws,
    change its name, but such change shall not affect any right or obligation of the
    society, or of any of its members, or past members, or deceased members, or
    render defective any legal proceedings by or against the society, and any legal
    proceedings which might have been continued or commenced by or against the
    society by its new name.
  150. Certain certificates to be conclusive evidence.- (1) Where a society is
    registered or deemed to be registered under this Act, the Registrar shall issue a
    certificate or registration signed by him and such certificate shall be conclusive
    evidence that the society therein mentioned has been duly registered unless it is
    proved that the registration of the society has been subsequently cancelled:
    Provided that where a society is deemed to be registered under this Act,
    the Registrar shall issue a certificate of registration within sixty days from the
    date on which it was deemed to be registered.
    (2) No society shall commence business unless it has obtained a
    certificate of registration under sub-section (1) and every member of such
    society carrying on business in contravention of this sub-section shall be
    severally liable for all liabilities incurred in such business.
    (3) When the Registrar registers an amendment of the bye-laws of a
    society under section 11 or section 12 he shall issue to the society a copy of the
    amendment registered by him, which shall be conclusive evidence that the
    same is duly registered.
    (4) Where a society changes its name under section 13, the Registrar
    shall amend the certificate of registration accordingly which shall be conclusive
    evidence that the change of name is duly registered.
  151. Change of liability of society from limited to unlimited or vice-
    versa.- (1) Subject to the provisions of section 11, a society may by an
    amendment of its bye-laws change its liability from limited to unlimited or
    from unlimited to limited.
    (2) No such amendment shall be registered by the Registrar unless he is
    satisfied that-
    (i) twenty-one day’s notice has been given to every member of the
    society and to any person or class of persons whose interest may, in the opinion
    of the Registrar, be affected by the change; and
    (ii) with respect to every such member or person who, in the
    opinion of the Registrar, is entitled to notice-
    (a) either his assent has been obtained to the change or is
    deemed to have been obtained by virtue of his failure to object within twenty
    one days from the date of the notice,
    (b) if he objects-
    (i) he is allowed to withdraw his share if he is a
    member, or
    (ii) that his debt or claim has been discharged or has
    been determined or has been secured to the
    satisfaction of the Registrar within three months
    from the date of receipt of objection if he is a
    creditor:
    16
    Provided that the Registrar may in the case of any person or class of
    persons, for special reasons, to be recorded, dispense with the notice required
    by this sub-section.
  152. Reorganization of Societies.-(1) In this section-
    (a) “affected society” means a society which decides to reorganize
    itself in any of the manners specified in sub-section (2); and
    (b) “resulting society” means a society-
    (i) which is formed as a result of amalgamation under
    clause (a) of sub-section (2); or
    (ii) to which the assets and liabilities of the affected societies
    are transferred in whole or in part under clause (b) sub-
    section(2); or
    (iii) which is formed as a result of division under clause (c)
    of sub-section (2); or
    (iv) which is the result of change of class as provided in
    clause (d) of sub-section (2).
    (2) A society may, by resolution passed by two-thirds majority of the
    members present and voting at a special general meeting held for the purpose
    decide to reorganize itself by-
    (a) amalgamating itself with another society; or
    (b) transferring its assets and liabilities in whole or in part to
    any other society; or
    (c) dividing itself into two or more societies; or
    (d) converting itself into a class of society, the object of
    which is materially different from that under which it has
    been classified under this Act:
    Provided that no such decisions shall take effect unless it is approved by
    the Registrar:
    Provided further than in case of a Co-operative Bank, the Registrar shall
    not give his approval save with the previous sanction in writing of the Reserve
    Bank;
    (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) where the
    Registrar is satisfied that it is essential in the public interest or in the interest of
    the members of the affected societies or necessary to secure the proper
    management of any society, he may direct that any society or societies shall
    reorganize itself or themselves in any one or more of the modes indicated in
    sub-section (2):
    Provided that, in the case of a Co-operative Bank, the Registrar shall
    not issue any direction save with the previous sanction in writing of the
    Reserve Bank:
    Provided further that before a final order under this sub-section is
    passed by the Registrar every society concerned shall be given an opportunity
    of expressing its opinion on the reorganization proposals.
    (4) The procedure for reorganization of a society in accordance with
    the decision under sub-section (2) or the direction of the Registrar under subsection (3), as the case may be, shall be such as may be prescribed.
    (5) If any such reorganization under sub-section (2) or (3) is likely
    to affect in any manner the interest of any person, notice thereof shall be given
    to all such persons and every such person shall be given an option, to be
    exercised within a month from the date of the issue of such notice, of either
    17
    becoming a member of the resulting society or societies or of demanding the
    payment of the share or interest or dues in respect of the affected society, as the
    case may be.
    (6) No reorganization shall be final until the assent of every such
    person whose interest is likely to be affected, has been obtained or deemed to
    have been obtained by virtue of his failure to exercise the option given to him,
    and further, unless all the claims of persons who have exercised the option of
    demanding the payment of their shares or interests or dues under sub-section
    (5) have been met in full.
    (7) Every resulting society under this section shall have such
    constitution, property, powers, rights, interests, authorities, duties and
    obligations as may be specified in the scheme of reorganization and every such
    scheme of reorganization may contain such consequential, incidental and
    supplemental provisions as may, in the opinion of the Registrar, be necessary to
    give effect to such scheme.
    (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Transfer of Property
    Act, 1882 (IV of 1882) or the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (XVI of 1908), a
    resolution of a society approved by the Registrar under sub-section (3) shall be
    sufficient conveyance to vest the assets and liabilities of each affected society
    in the resulting society or societies concerned, such vesting being subject only
    to the provisions of the scheme of reorganization.
    (9) The reorganization of societies shall not in any manner,
    whatsoever affect any right or obligation of the resulting society or societies or
    render defective any legal proceedings by or against the society or societies and
    any legal proceedings that might have been continued or commenced by or
    against the society or the societies, as the case may be, before the
    reorganization may be continued or commenced by or against the resulting
    society or societies.
    (10) Where any two or more societies have been amalgamated or a
    society has been divided or converted, the registration of such society or
    societies shall be deemed to have been cancelled on the date of registration of
    the amalgamated society or of the converted society or of the new societies into
    which the society may have been divided.
    (11) Where a land mortgage bank has been reorganized by
    amalgamation with a central bank, the amalgamated bank shall in respect of all
    transactions relating to the land mortgage bank business made on and after such
    amalgamation be deemed to be a land mortgage bank within the meaning of the
    law relating to Land Mortgage Banks for the time being in force.
    Explanation.- For the purposes of this section “Central Bank” means a
    society with the words “Central Bank” or “District Bank” as part of its name
    and whose main object is to finance societies which are members of it and lie
    within a specified area.
    (12) Every scheme of such reorganization shall be published in the
    official Gazette for general information.
    16-A. Collaboration by Societies.- Any society may, enter into the
    collaboration with any Government Undertaking or any undertaking approved
    by the State Government for carrying on any specific business including
    industrial investment, financial aid or marketing and management expertise.
    16-B. Partnership of Societies.-Any two or more societies may by resolution
    passed at general meeting by a majority of members present and voting in each
    18
    such society enter into a contract of a partnership for carrying out any specific
    business permissible under the byelaws on such terms and conditions as may be
    mutually agreed upon. Where such partnership requires creation of a new
    organization, the participating society shall be its members.

(Section 16-C – Applicable in Chhattisgarh only)
16-C. Government’s power to make scheme of reorganization in the public
interest.-(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the Rules made
thereunder, if the State Government, on receipt of a report from the Registrar or
otherwise, is satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary to reorganize any
society or societies for the purpose of securing proper implementation of
development programmers, the State Government, as it may deem necessary,
may make such scheme of reorganization and issue orders to implement above
scheme:
Provided that in case of a Co-operative Bank, prior sanction in writing
of the Reserve Bank shall be necessary.
(2) There shall be the provisions in scheme of reorganization
regarding :-
(a) Method of reorganization;
(b) Procedure for reorganization;
(c) To the membership, registration, management, assets and
liabilities, powers, rights, interests, duties, staff and conditions of employment
of such society or societies which are made after reorganization;
(d) Such other consequential, incidental and supplementary
provisions as may be necessary;
(e) Any other subject as may be deemed necessary by the State
Government.
(3) The State Government may modify or cancel any reorganization
scheme made or issued any orders under sub-section (1).
(4) The provisions regarding every reorganization scheme and the
orders issued by the State Government shall be binding upon the interested
parties.
(5) Every scheme of such reorganization shall be published in the
official Gazette for general information.

  1. Compromise or arrangement for repayment of liabilities and
    reconstruction of societies.-(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this
    Act, or the rules made thereunder where a compromise or arrangement is
    proposed between (a) a society and its creditors or any class of them, and (b) a
    society and its members, the Registrar may on the application of the society or
    of any member or of any creditor of the society or, in the case of a society
    which is being wound up of the liquidator order a meeting of the members, or
    creditors or both, as the case may be, to be called, held and conducted in such
    manner as may be prescribed:
    Provided that the Registrar may, on his own motion, order such a
    meeting to be called for the purpose of affecting a compromise or arrangement.
    (2) If a majority in number representing three-fourths of the
    members or three-fourths of the total amount of valuation due to the creditors,
    as the case may be, present and voting in person at the meeting agree to any
    compromise or arrangement the compromise or arrangement shall, if confirmed
    by the Registrar, be binding on all members or all the creditors, as the case may
    19
    be, and also on the society, or in the case of a society which is being wound up,
    on the liquidator:
    Provided that the Registrar shall not confirm a compromise or
    arrangement unless he is satisfied that all the members or creditors, as the case
    may be, whose interests are affected by such compromise or arrangement, had
    notice of such meeting:
    Provided further that in case of a Co-operative Bank the Registrar shall
    not confirm the compromise, or arrangement, save with the previous sanction
    in writing of the Reserve Bank or National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
    Development.
    (3) When an order canceling a meeting is passed under sub-section
    (1) or the proviso thereof for considering any compromise or arrangement
    between a society and its creditors or any class of them, the Registrar may give
    notice of such order to a Civil Court in which proceedings, whether instituted
    before or after the order, in respect of any liability of the society due to a
    creditor to whom a copy of the order is posted, are pending and on receipt of
    such notice the Civil Court shall stay the proceedings. If no such compromise
    of arrangement is confirmed under sub-section (2), the Registrar shall inform
    the Civil Court accordingly and the proceedings which may have been stayed,
    shall be resumed.
    (4) If a compromise or arrangement between a society and its
    creditors or any class of them is confirmed under sub-section (2) the
    proceedings, if any, stayed under sub-section (3) shall abate and no proceedings
    shall lie in a Civil Court in respect of any liability of the society to which the
    compromise or arrangement relates.
    (5) The Registrar may, with the previous approval of the State
    Government, exempt any class of creditors from the operation of this section or
    any provisions thereof.
    (6) A compromise or arrangement confirmed by the Registrar shall
    not be called in question in any Civil Court.
    (7) If a creditor in respect of whom a compromise or arrangement
    has been confirmed by the Registrar under sub-section (2), fails to receive the
    amount payable to him under such compromise or arrangement after due notice
    to do so within the period specified in such notice, the society or the liquidator,
    as the case may be, shall deposit the amount in such manner as may be directed
    by the Registrar. On the making of such deposit the amount payable to the
    creditor under the compromise or arrangement shall be deemed to have been
    paid to the extent of the deposit.
    (8) A compromise or an arrangement between a society and its
    creditors or any class of them confirmed by the Registrar under sub-section (2)
    shall cease to be in force as soon as the whole amount of the liability
    determined thereunder has been or is deemed to have been paid whether under
    the provisions of this section or otherwise notwithstanding that the period
    originally stipulated for the discharge of such liability has not expired.
    (9) After such compromise or arrangement has ceased to be in force
    no further claim shall remain against the society, or against any property,
    movable or immovable which it may acquire thereafter, in respect of the
    liability which had been the subject of the compromise or arrangement, and the
    society shall be free to conduct its normal business.
    20
    17-A. Action and liability of Banks under moratorium.- Where an order of
    moratorium has been made by the Central Government under sub-section (2) of
    section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (No.10 of 1949) in respect of
    Co-operative Bank, the Registrar with the previous approval of the Reserve
    Bank in writing, may, during the period of moratorium, prepare a scheme,-
    (i) for the reconstruction or re-organization of the Co-operative
    Bank; or
    (ii) for the amalgamation of the Co-operative Bank with any other
    Bank.
    17-B. Liability of new Bank to repay to the Deposit Insurance
    Corporation.-Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where a Cooperative Bank being an insured bank within the meaning of the Deposit
    Insurance Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of 1961) is amalgamated or in respect
    of which a scheme of compromise or arrangement or of reconstruction or
    reorganization has been sanctioned and the Deposit Insurance Corporation has
    become liable to pay to the depositors of the insured bank under sub-section (2)
    of section 16 of that Act, the bank with which such insured bank is
    amalgamated or the new co-operative bank formed after such amalgamation or,
    as the case may be, the insured bank or transferee bank shall be under an
    obligation to repay to the Deposit Insurance Corporation in the circumstances,
    to the extent and in the manner referred to in section 21 of the Deposit
    Insurance Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of 1961).
  2. Cancellation of registration.-(1) The Registrar shall make an order
    canceling the registration of a society if it transfers the whole of its assets and
    liabilities to another society, or amalgamates with another society, or divides
    itself into two or more societies or it is de-registered under the provisions of
    sub-section (1) of section 18-A or it is wound up under section 69. The society
    shall, from the date of such order of cancellation, be deemed to be dissolved
    and shall cease to exist as a corporate body.
    (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act if any proceedings
    relating to the winding up or dissolution of a society are pending immediately
    before the commencement of this Act, such proceedings shall after such
    commencement be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the law
    under which such society was registered or deemed to be registered.
    18-A. De-registration of societies.-(1) If the Registrar is satisfied that any
    society is registered on misrepresentation made by applicants, or where the
    work of the society is completed or the purposes for which the society has been
    registered or not served or the society other than a Co-operative Bank or
    Development Bank has used the word “Bank”, “Banker”, “Banking” and any
    other derivative of the word Bank” he may, after giving an opportunity of being
    heard to the chief promoter, the committee and the members of the society, deregister the society:
    Provided that, where the number of members of the society is so large
    and it is not possible to ascertain the correct addresses of all such members
    from the records in the office of the Registrar and, in the opinion of the
    Registrar it is not practicable to serve a notice of hearing on all such individual
    members, a public notice of the proceedings of the de-registration shall be
    given in the prescribed manner and such notice shall be deemed to be notice to
    all the members of the society, including the chief promoter and the members
    of the committee of the society, and no proceeding in respect of the de-
    21
    registration of the society shall be called in question, merely on the ground that
    individual notice is not served on any member.
    (2) When a society is de-registered under the provisions of subsection (1), the Registrar may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,
    make such incidental and consequential order including appointment of official
    assignee as the circumstances may require.
    (3) Subject to the rules made under this Act, the official assignee
    shall realize the assets and liquidate the liabilities within a period of one year
    from the date he takes over the charge of property, assets, books, records and
    other documents. The period aforesaid may, at the discretion of the Registrar,
    be extended from time to time, so however, that the total period does not
    exceed three years in the aggregate.
    (4) The official assignee shall be paid such remuneration and
    allowances as may be prescribed.
    (5) The powers of the Registrar under sub-sections (1) and (2) shall
    not be exercised by any officer below the rank of a Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
    CHAPTER III
    MEMBERS, THEIR RIGHTS, LIABILITIES AND PRIVILEGES
  3. Persons who may become members.-(1) No person shall be admitted as a
    member of a society except the following, namely:
    (a) an individual competent to contract under section 11 of the
    Indian Contract Act, 1872 (No.11 of 1872);
    (b) any other society;
    (c) a public trust registered under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trusts
    Act, 1951 (No.30 of 1951);
    (d) a firm, company or any other body corporate, not having minors
    as partners or directors, registered established or constituted, as the case may be
    under any law for the time being in force.
    (e) a society registered under the Madhya Pradesh Societies
    Registration Act, 1959 (No.1 of 1960), as may be approved by the State
    Government in this behalf by general or special order;
    (ea) a co-operative registered under the Madhya Pradesh Swayatta
    Sahakarita Adhiniyam, 1999 (No.2 of 2000);
    (f) the State Government:
    Provided that the provisions of clause (a) shall not apply to-
    (i) an individual seeking admission to a society exclusively formed
    for the benefit of students;
    (ii) a minor acting through a guardian appointed by the Court.
    (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act or rules or in the
    byelaws of a society, where the State Government has contributed to the share
    capital of a society, the liability of the State Government shall be limited to the
    face value of the shares held by it.
    (2-A) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or rules made
    thereunder or in the byelaws of a resource Society or consumers society, as the
    case may be, if any person duly qualified for admission as a member under the
    provisions of this Act and the byelaws of that Society makes an application for
    membership of such Society he shall be deemed to have been admitted as a
    22
    member of such Society from the date of receipt of the application in the office
    thereof:
    Provided that the Registrar may, either on his own motion at any time
    or on an application by the society or any aggrieved person made within fifteen
    days from the aforesaid date and after giving reasonable opportunity to the
    society or person concerned by order, declare such person as not eligible for
    membership of such society for the reasons mentioned therein, within forty five
    days from the date of receipt of application by the Registrar.
    (3) Where a student, who is not competent to contract under section 11 of
    the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (IX of 1872), desires to become a member of a
    society formed exclusively for the benefit of students, his application for the
    registration of a society or his application for membership shall be
    accompanied by a written undertaking from his guardian or other person
    competent to contract under section 11 of the said Act in the prescribed form,
    in respect of the liability of the student as a member.
    (4) Where a person is refused admission as a member in a society, the
    decision refusing admission shall be communicated by the society to that
    person within (thirty days) of the date of such decision.
    (5) No society shall, without sufficient cause, refuse admission to
    membership to any person, duly qualified therefor under the provisions of this
    Act and the byelaws of the society.
    (6) Any person aggrieved under sub-section (4) or sub-section (5) may
    appeal to the Registrar within ninety days of the date of rejection.
    (7) The decision of the Registrar in appeal shall be final and the Registrar
    shall communicate his decision to the parties within (thirty) days from the date
    thereof.
    19-A. Disqualifications of member.- No person shall be eligible for
    admission as member and any member shall cease to be a member of a society,
    if-
    (a) he is an applicant to be adjudicated or is an undischarged
    insolvent;
    (b) he has been sentenced for an offence involving moral turpitude
    and a period of five years has not elapsed from the date of expiry of sentence;
    (bb) he has been sentenced for an offence under the provisions of the
    Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (No.22 of 1955) and a period of six years
    has not elapsed from the date of expiry of sentence.
    (c) he or any member of his family, having common interest with
    him, carries on business similar to one carried on by the society:
    Provided that the provisions of clause (b) shall not apply to a person
    seeking admission as member of a society exclusively formed or to be formed
    for the reclamation of Vimukta Jatis.
    (d) If he is disqualified under section 48-A of the Act;
    (e) If he is a person who has been dismissed from the service of any
    co-operative institution or Government service.
    Explanation.- For the purposes of this section-
    (i) “Vimukta Jatis” means such tribes as the State Government may, from
    time to time, by general or special order, declare as Vimukta Jatis for the
    purpose of this sub-section;
    (ii) the business carried on by a trader including that of money lending shall
    be deemed to be similar to the business carried on by a marketing society.
    23
    represent the society in other society, if he suffers from such disqualification,
    as may be prescribed:
    Provided that, if a member suffers from any of the disqualifications
    prescribed under this section-
    (i) it shall be lawful for the committee of the society to disqualify
    such member where he is elected as a Director being a member of that society,
    19-B. Effect of subsequent disabilities.-If any person having been admitted as
    a member of a society subsequently becomes subject to any of the
    disqualifications specified in section 19-A, such person shall cease to be a
    member of the society and the Registrar shall declare his seat to be vacant.
    19-C. Expulsion of members.- (1)The Committee may, by a resolution passed
    by three-fourth majority of the members present and voting at a meeting held
    for the purposes, expel a member if he –
    (a) intentionally does any act likely to injure the credit of the
    society or bring it to disrepute; or
    (b) willfully deceives the society by false statements; or
    (c) carries on any business which comes or is likely to come into
    conflict with the business carried on by the society; or
    (d) persistently makes default in payment of his dues or fails to
    comply with any provisions of the bye-laws:
    Provided that no such resolution shall be valid unless the member
    concerned has been given seven days’ notice, either personally or by registered
    post, of the proposal to expel him and has been given an opportunity to
    represent his case to the committee.
    (1-A) Any person aggrieved by the resolution of the Committee under
    sub-section (1) may appeal before the Registrar within 30 days of the
    communication of such resolution.
    (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or rules or byelaws made thereunder, where it appears to the Registrar that it is necessary and
    desirable in the interest of the society to expel a member from the society for
    his indulging in any of the activities specified in sub-section (1), he may call
    upon such member and the society, to explain within a period to be specified by
    him, why such member should not be expelled from the society. If the member
    or society fails to furnish his or its explanation, within the specified period or
    after considering the explanation, if received, the Registrar may pass an order
    expelling a member from the society.
    (3) No person who has been expelled shall be eligible for readmission as a member of the co-operative for a period of six years from the
    date of such expulsion.
    (4) Expulsion of a member from a society may involve forfeiture of
    shares held by the member in such society.
  4. Nominal members.- Notwithstanding anything contained in section 19, a
    society may admit any person as a nominal member who shall no share either
    in the management or profits of a society and shall not be subject to any
    contributory liability in the case of winding up of the society.
  5. No rights of membership to be exercised till due payments are made.-
    No member shall exercise the rights of a member unless he has made such
    payment to the society in respect of membership or acquired such interest in the
    24
    society as may be prescribed or as may be specified in the bye-laws of such
    society.
  6. Votes of members.- (1) Every member of the society shall have one vote in
    the affairs of the society’s
    (1-A) Every depositor who shall be a member of the Primary
    Agriculture Credit co-operative Society shall also be eligible to vote in the
    affairs of the society.
    (2)(a) The voting right of federal society shall be so regulated that the
    members, which are societies, do not have less than four-fifths of the total
    number of votes in the general meeting of such society.
    (b) In case of federal society the voting rights of individual
    members (which term shall include public trust, firm, company or body
    corporate, society registered under the Madhya Pradesh Society Registrikaran
    Adhiniyam, 1973 (No.44 of 1973), and State Government but shall not include
    a co-operative society) shall be regulated in such manner as may be prescribed.
    (3) every affiliated co-operative society through its properly authorized
    representative and every delegate referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (2)
    shall have one vote in the general meeting.
    (4) The quorum for the meeting shall, unless otherwise provided in the
    byelaws of a society, be one-fifth of the total number of delegates and
    representatives of the societies:
    Provided that the delegates shall not at any time in the meeting exceed
    one-fifth of the member representatives of the societies.
    (5) The elections of delegates shall be held in accordance with the
    provisions prescribed for election of the members of the committee.
    (6) Any vacancy of a delegate caused on account of cessation of
    membership or otherwise, shall be filled in by delegates by co-opting one of the
    individual members of the group to which the vacancy relates.
    (7) Unless otherwise directed by the Registrar in respect of any particular
    society the delegates on the committee shall not at any time exceed one-third of
    the number of representatives of societies (fractions being neglected).
    (8) In the case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or
    casting vote.
  7. Manner of exercising vote.-(1) Every member of a society shall
    exercise his vote in person and no member shall be permitted to vote by proxy:
    Provided that subject to any rules made under this Act-
    (i)(a) a society which is a member of another society may appoint one
    of its members as a representative to vote on its behalf.
    (b) a group of individual members formed by the society in
    accordance with its bye-laws may elect one of the members in the group as a
    delegate to vote on their behalf.
    (ii) the State Government may nominate one of its officers as its
    representative, to vote or otherwise participate in its behalf in the affairs of the
    society of which such society or the State Government is a member;
    (iii) a public trust which is a member of a society may appoint, in
    writing, any one of its trustees to vote on its behalf;
    (iv) a firm which is a member of a society may appoint, in writing,
    any one of its major partners to vote on its behalf; and
    25
    (v) a company or any other body corporate which is a member of a
    society may appoint, in writing, any of its directors or officers to vote on its
    behalf.
    (2) Where a share is held jointly by more than one person and if-
    (i) in respect of such share a share certificate is issued by the
    society, the person whose name stands first in such share certificate; and
    (ii) in respect of such share no share certificate is issued by the
    society, the person whose name stands first in the register of members
    maintained by such society; shall have the right to vote.
  8. Restriction on holding of share capital by a member.-In any society,
    no member, other than the State Government or any other society, shall-
    (a) hold more than such portion of the total share capital of the
    society not exceeding one-fifth thereof as may be prescribed; or
    (b) have or claim any interest in the shares of the society exceeding
    (twenty thousand) rupees:
    Provided that the State Government may, by notification, specify in
    respect of any class of societies a maximum exceeding one-fifth of the share
    capital or (twenty thousand) rupees, as the case may be.
  9. Restrictions on transfer of shares or interest.(1) The transfer of a
    share or interest of a member in the share capital of a society shall be subject to
    the restrictions as to the maximum holdings specified in section 24.
    (2) No transfer by a member of his share or interest in a society
    shall be valid unless-
    (a) the member has held such share or interest for not less than one
    year;
    (b) the transfer is made to the society or to a member of the society;
    and
    (c) the transfer is approved by the Committee.
  10. Transfer of interest on death of member.-(1) On the death of a
    member, a society may transfer the share or interest of the deceased member to
    the person nominated in accordance with the rules made in this behalf, or if
    there is no person so nominated, to such person as may appear to the
    Committee to be the heir or legal representative of the deceased member, or
    pay to such nominee, heir or legal representative, as the case may be, a sum
    representing the value of such member’s interest, as ascertained in accordance
    with rules or bye-laws.
    (2) A society may pay all other moneys due to the deceased member from
    the society to such nominee, heir or legal representative, as the case may be.
    (3) All transfers and payments made by a society in accordance with the
    provisions of this section shall be valid and effectual against any demand made
    upon the society by any other person.
  11. Share or deposit or interest not liable to attachment.- Subject to the
    provisions of section 39, the share or interest or deposit of a member in the
    capital or working capital of society or in the loan stock issued by a housing
    society or in the funds raised by a society from its members by way of savings
    deposit or by compulsory deductions made by it from wages or in the form of
    surcharge on the value of sale or supply of goods to members, shall not be
    liable to attachment or sale under any decree or order of a court for or in
    respect of any debt or liability incurred by the members or past members and
    accordingly neither a Receiver under the Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920 (No.
    26
    5 of 1920), nor any such person or authority under any corresponding law for
    the time being in force shall be entitled to, or have any claim on such share or
    interest or deposit.
  12. Rights of members to see books, etc.- (1) every society shall keep
    open to inspection for its members free of any charge, at all reasonable times at
    the registered address of the society-
    (a) a copy of this Act;
    (b) a copy of the rules;
    (c) a copy of the bye-laws of the society; and
    (d) a register of members.
    (e) the last audited annual balance sheet, the profit and loss account;
    and
    (f) the minutes of the general meetings.
    (2) All registers and record of a society except books and other documents
    relating to accounts other than one’s own shall be open to inspection in the
    office of the society by any member of such society on payment of such fee as
    may be specified in the bye-laws.
    (3) Subject to such conditions and on payment of such fees as may be
    specified in the bye-laws, the society shall, on an application made by any
    member thereof grant him a certified copy of such records or registers or
    extracts thereof.
  13. Liability of a past member or estate of deceased member.- (1)
    Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the liability of a past member or of
    the estate of a deceased member of a society for the debts of the society as they
    stood:-
    (a) in case of a past member, on the date on which he ceased to be a
    member, and
    (b) in case of a deceased member, on the date of his death; shall
    continue for a period of two years from such date.
    (2) Where a society is ordered to be wound up under any provisions of this
    Act, the liability of a past member or of the estate of a deceased member who
    ceased to be a member or died, within two years immediately preceding the
    date of the order for winding up shall continue until the entire liquidation
    proceedings are completed; but such liability shall extend only to the debts of
    the society as they stood on the date of his ceasing to be a member or of his
    death as the case may be.
  14. Insolvency of members.- Notwithstanding anything contained in the
    Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920 (V of 1920), in an insolvency proceeding
    against a member of a society, the dues of the society shall have priority over
    all other dues except those payable to Government.
    CHAPTER IV – DUTIES, PRIVILEGES, PROPERTY AND
    FUNDS OF SOCIETIES
  15. Societies to be bodies corporate.-The registration of a society shall
    render it a body corporate by the name under which it is registered, having
    perpetual succession and a common seal, and with power to hold property,
    enter into contracts, institute and defend suits and other legal proceedings and
    to do all things necessary for the purposes for which it was constituted.
    27
  16. Address of society and display of name.-(1) Every society shall have
    an address registered in accordance with the rules to which all notices and
    communications may be sent, and shall send a notice in writing to the Registrar
    of any change therein within thirty days of the change.
    (2) Every society shall display its name and the address of its registered
    office and the words “Registered under Madhya Pradesh Co-operative Societies
    Act, 1960″ in legible characters in conspicuous position-
    (a) at every office or place at which it carries on business;
    (b) in all notices and other official publications;
    (c) on all its contracts, business letters, orders for goods, invoices,
    statements of account, receipts and letters of credit; and
    (d) on all bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements,
    cheques and orders for money it signs or that are signed on its behalf.
    (3) The name of every society shall contain the words “Co-operative” and
    “limited” or their equivalent in official language of the State.
    (4) The Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative Society shall not use the
    word “Bank”, “Banking”,” Banker” or any other derivative of the word “Bank”
    in its registered name.
  17. Register of members.-(1) Every society shall keep a register of its
    members and enter therein the following particulars, namely:-
    (a) the name, address and occupation of each member;
    (b) the share held by each member in the case of a society having
    share capital;
    (c) the date on which each person was admitted as a member;
    (d) the date on which any person ceased to be a member; and
    (e) such other particulars as may be prescribed:
    Provided that, where a society has under this Act, permitted a member
    to transfer his share or interest on death, to any person, the register shall also
    show against the member concerned the name of the person entitled to the
    share or interest of the member and the date on which the nomination was
    recorded.
    (2) The register shall be prima facie evidence of the date on which any
    person was admitted to the society as a member and of the date on which he
    ceased to be a member.
  18. Proof of entries in society’s books.- (1) A copy of any entry in a book
    of a society regularly kept in the course of its business, shall, if certified in such
    manner as may be prescribed, be received, in any suit or legal proceedings or
    for any other purposes as Prima facie evidence of such entry and shall be
    admissible in evidence in respect of the matters, transactions and accounts
    therein recorded in the same manner and to the same extent as the original
    entry.
    (2) Copies given by a society of any document obtained and kept by it in
    the course of its business or any entries in such document shall, if certified in
    the prescribed manner, be admissible in evidence in any suit or legal
    proceedings or for any other purpose in the same manner and to the same
    extent as the original document, or the entries therein, as the case may be.
    (3) No officer of a society and no officer, in whose office the books of a
    society are deposited after liquidation shall, in any legal proceedings to which
    the society or the liquidator is not a party, be compelled to produce any of the
    society’s books or documents, the contents of which can be proved under this
    28
    section or to appear as a witness to prove the matters, transactions and accounts
    therein recorded, except under order of the court, or the arbitrator, made for
    special cause.
    34-A. Societies to give pass books to member.-(1) A society which gives
    loans to its members or a society or class of societies which the State
    Government may notify in the official Gazette, from time to time, shall furnish
    to each member a pass book, which shall contain an account of the transactions
    with the member, such as, the date of the transaction, the amount of loan
    advanced, the rate of interest, the repayment made by the member, the amount
    of the principal and interest due and such other particulars as may be
    prescribed. The necessary entries shall be made in the pass book from time to
    time which shall be countersigned by such office – bearer of the society as may
    be authorized in this behalf by the committee. For this purpose, the member
    shall be bound to present the pass book to such office-bearer and if the pass
    book is required to be kept for some time for making the necessary entries the
    member shall be granted a receipt therefor, by such office-bearer.
    (2) The entries in the pass book duly made shall, until the contrary is
    proved, be prima facie evidence of the account of transactions of the society
    with the member.
  19. Exemption from compulsory registration of instruments.- Nothing
    in clause (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) of section 17 of the Indian Registration
    Act, 1908 (XVI of 1908) shall apply to-
    (a) any instrument relating to shares in a society notwithstanding
    that the assets of the society consist in whole or in part of immovable property;
    or
    (b) any debentures issued by any such society and not creating,
    declaring, assigning, limiting or extinguishing any right, title or interest to or in
    immovable property except in so far as it entitles the holder to the security
    afforded by a registered instrument whereby the society has mortgaged,
    conveyed or otherwise transferred the whole or part of its immovable property
    or any interest therein to trustees upon trust for the benefit of the holders of
    such debentures; or
    (c) any endorsement upon, or transfer of, any debenture issued by
    any such society: or
    (d) any declaration made by a member in favor of a society for
    creating a charge on land under section 41 and its assignment by the said
    society in favor of the financing bank or the federal society to which it is
    affiliated and further assignment by such financing bank or federal society in
    favor of the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd., or any other federal
    society.
    Explanation.- For the purposes of this section, a financing bank shall include
    the Reserve Bank of India, the State Bank of India, the State Bank of India, the
    corresponding new bank specified in First Schedule to the Banking Companies
    (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 (No.5 of 1970), and such
    other Bank as the State Government may, from to time, by notification, specify
    in this behalf.
  20. Borrowings.- A society may receive deposits and loans from the State
    Government, Banks, Financing bodies, Corporate Bodies under any law,
    operating in the State and individuals under the provision of the byelaws of the
    29
    society. It may also receive funds as a share capital under specific agreement
    or approved project by way of granting nominal membership.
  21. Restrictions on loans.-(1) No society shall make a loan to-
    (a) any person who is not a member;
    (b) any member on the security of its own shares;
    (c) any member on the security of a non-member;
    Provided that a society may make loans to another society and/or
    nominal member as provided in the byelaws of the society.
    (1-A) a society making a loan to its members who have been provided with
    “Bhoo-Adhikar Avam Rin Pustika” prescribed under section 114-A of the
    Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959 (No.20 of 1959) shall enter all
    transactions of loans; advances and recoveries thereof in the aforesaid BhooAdhikar Avam Rin-Pustika.
    (1-B) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, rules made thereunder
    and byelaws of the society, in case of an omission in making entry of a loan or
    advance made to members of the society, it shall be presumed that no such loan
    or advances has been made unless proved otherwise by the society;
    (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a society may
    make a loan to a depositor on the security of his deposit.
    (4) If an officer or employee of a society entrusted with the work of making
    an entry of any transaction of loans, advances and recoveries thereof in the
    “Bhoo-Adhikar avam Rin-Pustika” referred to in sub-section (1-A) fails to
    make such entry in the said Pustika the Registrar may by order impose a
    penalty on him of any amount not exceeding rupees five hundred. The order
    imposing a penalty shall be enforced in accordance with the provisions of
    section 85.
  22. Restrictions on other transactions with non-members.- Save as
    provided in sections 36 and 37, the transactions of a society with persons other
    than members shall be subject to such restrictions, if any, as may be prescribed.
  23. Charge and set-off in respect of share or interest of members.- A
    society shall have a charge upon the share or interest in the capital and on the
    deposits of a member, past member or deceased member and upon any
    dividend, bonus or profits payable to a member, past member or deceased
    member, in respect of any debt or outstanding demand owing to the society
    from such member or past member of deceased member and may set-off any
    sum credited or payable to a member, past member or deceased member in or
    towards payment of any such debt or outstanding demand:
    Provided that no financing bank shall have a charge upon any sum
    invested in such bank by a society as reserve fund if such bank is not the sole
    creditor of the society or upon any sum invested in such bank from any
    Provident Fund nor shall such bank be entitled to set-off any such sum credited
    or payable to the society in or towards payment of any debt or outstanding
    demand owing to such bank from such society.
  24. Prior claim of society on certain assets.-(1) Notwithstanding anything
    contained in any law for the time being in force, but subject to any prior claim
    of the State Government in respect of land revenue or any money recoverable
    as arrears of land revenue and to any claim of a development bank arising out
    of a loan granted at any time whatsoever under the Madhya Pradesh Sahkari
    Bhoomi Vikas Bank Adhiniyam, 1966 (28 of 1966), any debt or outstanding
    30
    demand owing to a society by any member or past member or deceased
    member, shall be a first charge upon the crops and other movable property
    belonging such member, past member or forming part of the estate of the
    deceased member, as the case may be:
    Provided that where any prior claim of the State Government arises out
    of a loan granted under the Land Improvement Loans Act, 1883 (XIX of 1883)
    or the Agriculturists Loans Act, 1884 (XII of 1884) and such loan is granted
    after the grant of loan by a society the loan granted by the society shall,
    notwithstanding anything contained in the said enactments, have priority over
    such claim of the Government.
    (2) No person shall transfer any property which is subject to a
    charge under sub-section(1) except with the previous permission in writing of
    the society which holds the charge:
    Provided that it shall always be lawful for a member or past member to
    create a charge in favour of a Development Bank under the Madhya Pradesh
    Sahkari Bhoomi Vikas Bank Adhiniyam, 1966(28 of 1966) for the dues
    thereof.
    (3) Notwithstanding contained in any law for the time being in force
    any transfer of property made in contravention of the provisions of sub-section
    (2) shall be void as against any claim of the society in respect of any debt or
    outstanding demand owing to it which is a first charge on such property under
    sub-section (1).
  25. First charge of Co-operative societies on certain assets.-(1)
    Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, but
    subject to any prior claim of the State Government in respect of land revenue or
    any money recoverable as arrears of land revenue or to any of claim of a
    development bank arising out of a loan granted at any time whatsoever under
    the Madhya Pradesh Sahkari Bhumi Vikas Bank Adhiniyam, 1966 (No. 28 of
    1966), or by a bank under the Madhya Pradesh Krishi Udhar Pravartan Tatha
    Prakirn Upbandha (Bank) Adhiniyam, 1972 (No. 32 of 1973), any debt or
    outstanding demand owing to a society by a member or past member or
    deceased member shall be first charge in favour of the society on-
    (a) the land owned by such member or past member or forming part
    of the estate of the deceased member, as the case may be; and
    (b) his interest in any land as a tenant if such member owns such
    interest;
    against which such debt was granted or such outstanding demand stands, for
    and to the extent of the debt, or outstanding demand owing by him:
    Provided that where any prior claim of the State Government arises out
    of the loan granted under the Land Improvement Loans Act, 1883 (No.19 of
    1884), and such loan is granted after the grant of loan by a society, the loan
    granted by the society shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the said
    enactment, have priority over such claim of the Government.
    (2) No member shall alienate the whole or any part of the land or
    interest therein which is subject to charge under sub-section (1) until the whole
    amount borrowed by the member together with interest is paid in full:
    Provided that it shall be lawful for a member or a past member to
    mortgage in favour of-
    (i) a Co-operative Land Development Bank; or
    31
    (ii) a bank under the Madhya Pradesh Krishi Udhar Pravartan Tatha
    Prakirn Upbandha (Bank) Adhiniyam, 1972 (No.32 of 1973); or
    (iii) the State Government
    such land or any part thereof under the rules made under the Madhya Pradesh
    Irrigation Act, 1931 (No.3 of 1931), for supply of water from a canal to such
    land or any part thereof.
    (3) Any alienation made in contravention of the provisions of subsection(2) shall be void as against any claim of the society in respect of the loan
    taken from it under this section.
    (4) Intimation in writing shall be given to the Tahsildar about the
    details of the debt or outstanding demand owing to the society from a member,
    past member or deceased member in the prescribed manner and the Tahsildar
    shall on receipt of such information, have it entered in the Record of Rights.
    41-A. Right of society to acquire and dispose of immovable property.- (1)
    Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, a
    society shall have power to itself to acquire agricultural land or interest therein,
    or any immovable property which has been charged or mortgaged to it by a
    member in respect of any financial assistance availed of by him, provided the
    said land or interest therein or any other immovable property has been sought
    to be sold by public auction and no person has offered to purchase it for a price
    which is sufficient to pay to the society the money due to it:
    Provided that only such portion of the property shall be sold as may be
    reasonably sufficient to satisfy the debt and interest thereon.
    (2) A society which acquires land or interest therein or any other
    immovable property in exercise of the power vested in it under sub-section (1)
    may dispose it of by sale within a period to be specified by the Registrar in this
    behalf.
    (3) If the society has to lease out any land acquired by it under subsection (1) pending sale thereof as indicated in sub-section (2), the period of
    lease shall not exceed one year at a time and the lessee shall not acquire any
    interest in that property, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any
    other law for the time being in force.
    (4) A sale by a society of land or interest therein in terms of this
    section shall be subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in
    force providing for restrictions on purchase of land by non-agriculturists or in
    excess of ceiling limits or involving fragmentation of land below a specified
    limit.
    (5) The provisions of sub-section (6) of section 165 of the Madhya
    Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959 (No.20 of 1959), shall apply for sale of any
    land or interest therein of a person belonging to an aboriginal tribe to a person
    not belonging to such tribe.
    (6) Nothing in the Madhya Pradesh Ceiling on Agricultural
    Holdings Act, 1960 (No.20 of 1960) shall apply to a society acquiring land
    under sub-section (1) and holding such land till such time as the society is in a
    position to sell the land in the manner provided in this section or otherwise, at a
    price which is adequate to cover its dues.
  26. Deduction from salary to meet society’s claim in certain cases.- (1)
    Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, a
    member of a society may execute an agreement in favour of such society
    providing that his employer shall be competent to deduct from the salary or
    32
    wages payable to him by the employer, such amount, as may be specified in the
    agreement and to pay the amount so deducted to the society in satisfaction of
    any debt or other demand owing by the member to the society.
    (2) On the execution of such agreement, it shall not be necessary to
    have the debt or claim adjudged by any authority, and the employer shall, if so
    required by the society, by a requisition in writing and so long as the society
    does not intimate that the whole of such debt or demand has been paid, make
    the deduction in accordance with the agreement and pay the amount so
    deducted to the society, as if it were a part of the salary, or wages payable on
    the day as required under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (No.4 of 1936).
    (3) If after the receipt of a requisition, made under sub-section (2),
    the employer at any time fails to deduct the amount specified in the requisition
    from the salary or wages payable to the members concerned or makes default in
    remitting the amount deducted to the society, the society shall be entitled to
    recover any such amount from the employer as an arrear of land revenue and
    the amount so due from the employer shall rank in priority in respect of the
    liability of the employer equal to that of the wages in arrears.
    (4) The provisions of this section shall also apply to all such
    agreements of the nature referred to in sub-section (1) as were in force on the
    date of the commencement of this Act.
    (5) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to persons
    employed in railways, mines and oil-fields.
    (6) For the purposes of this section, Drawing and Disbursing
    Officer shall be deemed to be an employer in respect of a Government servant.
  27. Funds and profits.- (1) No part of the funds of a society other than the
    net profits shall be paid by way of bonus or dividend or otherwise distributed
    among its members:
    Provided that a member may be paid remuneration on such scale as may
    be laid down by the bye-laws for any services rendered by him to the society.
    (2) A society shall, out of its net profits in any year-
    (a) transfer an amount not being less than twenty-five percent of
    such profits to the reserve funds unless such society has been, by general or
    special order, partially or wholly exempted in this behalf by the Registrar; and
    (b) pay to the Madhya Pradesh Co-operative Union Ltd. and to such
    other institutions or unions as may be specified by the Registrar in this behalf,
    such contribution as may be prescribed but co-operative credit structure shall
    not be required to pay any contribution; and
    (c) transfer at least twenty per cent, to an equity redemption fund by
    such societies which have Government equity participation.”
    (3) No society shall pay dividend to its members at the rate exceeding
    twenty five per cent. except with the prior approval of the Registrar.
    (3-A) The Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative Society shall pay dividend
    to its members in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Registrar in
    consultation with the National Bank for the purpose.
    (4) A society may, with the sanction of the Registrar, after one fourth of the
    net profit in any year has been carried to the reserve fund, contribute not
    exceeding five per cent of the remaining net profits to any purpose connected
    with the development of co-operative movement or charitable purpose as
    defined in section 2 of the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 (No.6 of 1890).
    33
    (5) No society shall make a contribution either in money or in kind, either
    directly or indirectly to an organization that has an object the furtherance of the
    interest of a political party or of any religious faith.
    43-A. Appropriation of profits.-(1) A society earning profit shall calculate
    the net profit by deducting from the gross profits for the year the following:-
    (a) all overdue interest accrued on loan accounts.
    (b) management charges;
    (c) interest payable on loans and deposits;
    (d) audit fee;
    (e) working expenses, including repairs, rent, taxes;
    (f) depreciation;
    (g) bonus payable to employees under the Payment of Bonus Act,
    1965 (No.21 of 1965)’
    (h) provision for payment of income-tax;
    (i) provision for payment of subscription to the State/District Co-
    operative Union as may be notified;
    (j) provision for development fund, bad debt fund, price fluctuation
    fund, dividend and equalization fund, investment fluctuation
    fund and such other funds as may be specified by the Registrar
    in this behalf;
    (k) provision for retirement benefits to employees and in the case of
    societies engaged in consumer goods business, provision for
    purchase rebate to be paid to the members; and
    (l) provision for writing off bad debts and losses not adjusted
    against any fund created out of profits.
    (m) provision for non performing assets, as may be specified from
    time to time by the Registrar in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India
    and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
    (2) A society may, however, add to the net profits of the year, interest
    accrued in the preceding years but actually recovered during the year; the net
    profits thus arrived at, together with the amount of the profits brought forward
    from the previous year, shall be available for appropriation for the purposes of
    section 43.
    43-B. Liability for deficit.-(1) Where a society has an operational deficit in
    any year, the committee shall place before the general body the reasons
    therefor.
    (2) The general body shall examine the reasons and where the
    deficit has arisen in the normal course of business of the society the general
    body based on its examination may resolve to make good the operational
    deficit wholly or partially from members and or its reserves.
  28. Investment of funds.-(1) Subject to the provision of sub-section (3), a
    society may invest or deposit its funds-
    (a) in savings account of Government Post -office or Government
    securities; or
    (b) in any Bank or financial institution regulated by Reserve Bank;
    or
    (c) in any of the securities specified in section 20 of the Indian
    Trusts Act, 1882 (II of 1882); or
    (d) with the federal society of which it is a member or in the
    purchase of the share thereof; or
    34
    (e) with any other society with limited liability or in the purchase of
    the shares or securities or debentures thereof. (2) The reserve fund of a society shall be utilized only in such
    manner and on such terms and conditions as may be laid down by the Registrar
    in this behalf:
    Provided that in the case of co-operative credit structure, the
    manner and terms and conditions to be laid down for utilization of the reserve
    fund by the Registrar shall be subject to the guidelines specified by the
    National Bank.
    (3) No investment of any of its fund in immovable or movable
    property, other than funds created for specified purposes, shall be made by a
    society, other than a housing society.
    (4) A society accepting deposits shall maintain, as a cover against
    such deposits, fluid resources to such extent and in such manner as may be
    specified by the Registrar from time to time:
    Provided that in the case of co-operative credit structure, the
    Registrar shall specify the extent and manner after consultation with the
    National Bank.
  29. Grant of State aid to societies.-(1) Any society desirous of having
    State aid otherwise than by way of contribution towards share capital may
    apply to the Registrar stating the reasons for seeking such State aid.
    (2) On receipt of an application under sub-section (1) or otherwise,
    the Registrar may, if he is satisfied that such aid is necessary in the interest of
    the society, recommend to the State Government the grant of such aid. The
    State Government may thereupon grant such aid to the society as it may deem
    fit on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
  30. Employee’s Provident Fund.- (1) A society may establish a
    contributory Provident Fund for the benefit of its employees to which shall be
    credited all contributions made by the employees and the society in accordance
    with the bye-laws of the society.
    (2) A contributory Provident Fund established by a society under
    sub-section (1)-
    (a) shall not be used in the business of the society;
    (b) shall not form part of the assets of the society;
    (c) shall not be liable to attachment or be subject to any
    other process of any court or other authority; and
    (d) shall be administered in such manner as may be
    prescribed.
  31. Power to direct affiliation to Federal Society.-The State Government
    may, by a general or special order, direct that all or any of the societies situated
    within a specified area shall be affiliated to the Madhya Pradesh Co-operative
    Union or to a (the District Co-operative Union) or to any other union in such
    manner and on such conditions as the State Government may specify:
    Provided that no order shall be passed by the State Government in
    respect of co-operative credit structure.
    47-A. Apex society.-(1) The Apex society may, for servicing its constituents
    and in accordance with its byelaws, perform the following functions:-
    (a) safeguard the observance of the co-operative principles;
    35
    (b) promote and organize co-operative societies and for this
    purposes, frame model byelaws and guidelines for making
    various regulation and policies for consideration by the
    societies;
    (c) provide co-operative training, education and information, and
    propagate co-operative principles;
    (d) undertake research and evaluation and assist in preparation of
    perspective development plans of member societies;
    (e) promote harmonious relations between member societies;
    (f) help member societies in the settlement of disputes among
    themselves and between a society and its members;
    (g) represent the interest of member societies and lobby for policies
    and legislation favorable to societies;
    (h) undertake business services on behalf of its members;
    (i) provide co-operation and management of development services
    to member societies including participation in board meetings
    where member societies are invited;
    (j) ensure timely conduct of annual audit in member societies;
    (k) ensure timely conduct of elections in member societies;
    (l) assist member societies in regular conduct of general meetings;
    (m) evolve code of conduct for observance by member societies;
    (n) evolve viability norms for member societies;
    (o) provide legal aid and advice to member societies;
    (p) provide any other service in the interest of member societies.
    CHAPTER V
    MANAGEMENT OF SOCIETIES
  32. Final authority in society.-(1) The final authority in a society shall
    vest in the general body of members:
    Provided that the byelaws of a society may provide for the constitution
    of a smaller body consisting of delegates elected in accordance with such
    byelaws to exercise powers of the general body or as may be specified in the
    byelaws of the society.
    (2) Subject to sub-section (1), the management of every society
    shall vest in a committee constituted in accordance with this Act or rules made
    thereunder or byelaws of the society and it shall exercise such powers and
    perform such duties as may be conferred or imposed respectively by the Act or
    rules made thereunder or byelaws of the society.
    (3) (a) On the Committee of primary society:-
    (i) in which half or more than half the members belong to
    scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes, not less than
    half the total number of seats shall be reserved for the members belonging to
    such castes, tribes and backward classes in such proportion as may be
    prescribed;
    (ii) in which one fourth or more than one fourth, but less than half
    the members belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other
    backward classes, three seats shall be reserved for the members belonging to
    such castes, tribes and backward classes of which one seat each shall be
    reserved for each class.
    36
    (iii) in which the number of members belonging to Scheduled
    Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes is less than one fourth of
    total number of members, one seat shall be reserved for a member belonging to
    such castes, tribes and other backward classes, which has the larger number of
    members in the society.
    (iv) which is operating in a Scheduled Area, the number of seats to
    be reserved for Scheduled Tribes shall bear as nearly as may be the same
    proportion as members belonging to Scheduled Tribes bear to the total
    memberships of the society.
    Explanation.-For the purpose of this clause the Co-operative Land
    Development Bank shall be deemed to be a primary society.
    (b) On the Committee of such Central or Apex Society or class of Central
    or Apex societies as the State Government may having regard to the total
    membership of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes
    in the Primary Societies affiliated to such Apex or Central Society, by general
    or special order, direct, such number of seats as may be specified in the order
    shall be reserved for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
    Tribes and other backward classes:
    Provided that the number of seat so reserved shall not exceed (two) for
    each category of members:
    Provided further that in the Board of Directors of every Central or Apex
    Society at least one seat each shall be reserved for the members of Scheduled
    Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes.
    (c) In the event of society falling to elect requisite number of members or
    to elect less than such number of members, as is specified in clauses (a) and
    (b), the members of the committee shall co-opt the requisite number of
    members from amongst members of such society eligible for such
    representation and in the event of the Committee failing to do so Registrar shall
    nominate the requisite number of members from amongst members of such
    society eligible for such representation:
    Sub-section (5) – as applicable to M.P. only
    (5) There shall be a President/Chairman and two Vice-Presidents/ViceChairman in a resource society. Out of the two offices of VicePresidents/Vice-Chairman-
    (i) One shall be held by a woman member, and
    (ii) One shall be held by,- (a) in case of a resource society operating in a non-scheduled area,
    by a member belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other
    backward classes, and
    (b) in case of a resource society operating in a scheduled area, by
    any member:
    Provided that in case of a resource society operating in the scheduled
    area the President or Chairman shall be elected from amongst the members
    belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes.
    Explanation.- For the purpose of this section-
    (i) “Scheduled Caste” means any caste, race or tribe or part of or
    group with a caste, race or tribe specified as such in relation to the State of
    Madhya Pradesh under article 341 of the Constitution of India.
    37
    (ii) “Scheduled Tribe” means any Tribe, Tribal community or part
    of or group within a tribe or tribal community specified as such in relation to
    the State of Madhya Pradesh under Article 342 of the Constitution of India.”
    Sub-section (5) – as applicable to Chhattisgarh only
    (5) There shall be a President/Chairman and two Vice-Presidents/ViceChairman in a resource society. Out of the two offices of VicePresidents/Vice-Chairman-
    (i) One shall be held by a woman member, and
    (ii) One shall be held, if the chairman is not elected from amongst
    persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward
    Classes, by a person belonging to these categories and otherwise, by any
    person:
    Provided that in case of such resource society other than a Nagrik Co-operative
    Bank or Urban Co-operative Credit Society or thrift society, operating in a
    Scheduled area, the chairman or president shall be elected only from amongst
    persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes.
    Explanation.- For the purpose of this section-
    (i) “Scheduled Caste” means any caste, race or tribe or part of or
    group within a caste, race or tribe specified as such in relation to the State of
    Madhya Pradesh under article 341 of the Constitution of India.
    (ii) “Scheduled Tribe” means any Tribe, Tribal community or part
    of or group within a tribe or tribal community specified as such in relation to
    the State of Madhya Pradesh under Article 342 of the Constitution of India.”
    (5-A) There shall be a President or Chairman and Vice President or Vice
    Chairman in consumer society of whom one shall be a woman.
    (6) No person who is individual member in a Central Co-operative bank
    shall hold any specified office in the Central or Apex Society.
    (8) Provided that in case of Co-operative Bank, there shall be at least three
    Directors (Professional) with full voting right in the Board of Directors of Cooperative Bank having special knowledge or experience in the field of
    accountancy, law, banking, management, agricultural or rural economy as
    specified by the Reserve Bank:
    Provided further that if the required number of Directors (Professional)
    are not elected, the Board of Directors of Co-operative Bank shall co-opt them.
    Explanation.- A non-borrowing member shall be one who never
    borrowed from such a Bank or a society in which he is a member:
    Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall apply to the
    society from the date it commences its lending operations:
    Provided further that the provisions of this sub-section shall not apply to
    the society in so far as its first provisional committee/nominated committee is
    concerned.
    48-A. Disqualification for holding specified office.-(1) No person shall at
    the same time hold the specified office of more than one Apex Society, one
    Central Society and one Primary Society:
    Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall be applicable in
    case of societies of the same classification.
    (2) If any person who is holding a specified office in one Apex
    Society, one Central Society and one Primary Society is elected or appointed to
    a specified office in any other Apex or Central or Primary society, he may, by a
    letter in writing signed by him and addressed to the registrar, within a period of
    38
    one month from the date of his election or appointment to such specified office
    resign from the specified office in all except one Apex Society and or one
    Central Society and or one Primary Society as the case may be.
    (3) If any person required to resign under sub-section (2), fails to
    resign within the period specified therein, then at the expiration of such period
    he shall be deemed to have resigned from the specified office in all except one
    Apex Society & one Central Society and one Primary Society, as the case may
    be, in which he was already holding the specified office prior to such
    subsequent election or appointment to specified office in other Apex or Central
    or Primary Society.
    (4) No person shall be eligible to be elected as President or
    Chairman or as representative in other society if he is a Member of Parliament
    or Member of Legislative Assembly or holds any post inn District Panchayat,
    Janpad Panchayat, Urban Local Bodies, Mandi Board or Mandi Committee.
    (5) No person shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to any
    specified office in a society, and shall cease to hold his office as such, if he has,
    including the period of his Co-option or appointment or both, held specified
    office in the society for two consecutive terms or for a continuous period of
    eleven years, whichever is less:
    Provided that a person shall not be re-elected or re-appointed to such
    specified office till a period equal to one full term has expired.
    48-AA.Disqualification for membership of Board of Directors and for
    representation. No person shall be eligible for election as a member of the
    Board of Directors of a society, and shall cease to hold his office as such, if he
    suffers from such disqualification as may be prescribed, and no society shall
    elect any member as its representative to the Board of Directors of any other
    society or to represent the society in other society, if he suffers from such
    disqualification as may be prescribed :
    Provided that, if a member suffers from any of the disqualifications prescribed
    under this section,-
    (i) it shall be lawful for the Board of Directors of the society to disqualify
    such member where he is elected as a Director , being a member of that society,
    after giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard, within two months
    from the date of coming to the notice of the society, from holding the post.
    (ii) if, the member incurs a disqualification in the higher level society, for
    his actions as a representative, such higher level society shall take action to
    disqualify him for holding the post in the higher level society, and if the society
    fails to take action, the Registrar shall disqualify such member from holding
    such post by an order in writing, after giving him reasonable opportunity of
    being heard.
    Explanation.-For the purpose of this section, the expression “disqualification”
    shall not include the disqualification specified in Section 50-A for election as a
    member of the Board of Directors or a representative of a society.
    48-B. Representatives and delegates.-(1) Every committee of society shall
    at the time of election of Chairman or Vice-Chairman, also elect representative
    who shall represent it in other society and the representative so elected shall not
    be withdrawn by the Committee till the next election of the committee.
    (2)(a) In a society where not less than half of the members belong to
    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the representative shall be only from
    amongst the members belonging to such castes or tribes; and
    39
    (b) In a society where not less than two-third of the members belong
    to other Backward Classes, the representative shall be from amongst the
    members belonging to such classes.
    (3) If the byelaws of a society provide for the constitution of its
    general body by the elections of the delegates, the society shall reserve seats in
    the general body for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
    Tribes and other Backward Classes in such a manner that the number of seats
    so reserved for each category shall as far as possible, be in the same proportion
    in which members of each category, shall bear to the total membership of the
    society.
    48-C. Powers of Committee.-The Board or the Committee of a society shall
    in accordance with the byelaws, have power to-
    (a) admit and terminated membership;
    (b) elect the Chairman and other office bearers;
    (c) remove from office the Chairman and office bearers;
    (d) fix staff strength with the approval of the Registrar;
    (e) frame policies concerning-
    (i) organization and provisions for services to members;
    (ii) qualifications, recruitment, service conditions of the staff and
    other matters relating to staff with the approval of the Registrar;
    (iii) mode of custody and investment of funds;
    (iv) manner of keeping accounts;
    (v) mobilization, utilization and investment of funds;
    (vi) monitoring and management of information system including
    statutory returns to be filed;
    (f) place the annual report, annual financial statements, plan and budget for
    the approval of the general body;
    (g) consider audit and compliance reports and place the same before the
    general body; and
    (h) undertake such other functions as specified in the byelaws:
    Provided that the policies concerning the qualifications, recruitment,
    service conditions of the staff and other matters relating to staff of co-operative
    credit structure shall be framed according to the guidelines issued by the
    Registrar in accordance with the criteria specified by the National Bank.
  33. Annual General Meeting.-(1)Every Society shall within three months
    before the close of financial year call a general meeting of its members for the
    following purposes of-
    (a) approval of the programme of the activities of the society
    prepared by the committee for the ensuing year;
    (b) Election, if fallen due, of the members of the committee.
    Explanation.- Election of the committee shall be deemed to have fallen due, if
    the term of the committee comes to an end within a period of three months
    from the date of the annual general meeting.
    (c) consideration of the audit report, if received and the annual
    report;
    (d) disposal of the net profit;
    (e) consideration of any other matter which may be brought forward
    in accordance with the byelaws; and
    (f) presenting the budget for the next co-operative year;

40
Provided that the Registrar may, save the meeting in which elections are
to be held on expiration of the term of the committee specified in sub-section
(7-A), extend the period for holding such meeting, by a further period not
exceeding three months:
Provided further that in respect of a society where an order of
liquidation has been issued under Section 69, annual general meeting shall not
be necessary to be called.
(1-A) The election of the members of the Committee, Chairman, ViceChairman, President, Vice-President and representatives, if any shall be
conducted by the Returning Officer in the prescribed manner.
(2) Notice of such meeting shall be sent to the Deputy/Assistant
Registrar of the district in which the society is situate, at least fourteen clear
days before the date of the meeting.
(3) The Deputy/Assistant Registrar may himself attend such
meeting or depute any officer subordinate to him to attend it.
(4) The Deputy/Assistant Registrar or the officer deputed by him,
shall have the right to address the meeting in respect of any matter pertaining to
the subjects specified in clauses (a), (c), (d) and (e) of sub-section (1).
(5) If default is made in calling general meeting within the period
prescribed therefor under sub-section (1) or in complying with the requirement
of sub-section (1), the Registrar may, by order, declare any officer whose duty
it was to call such meeting or comply with the provisions of sub-section (1) and
who without reasonable excuse failed to comply with any of the provisions of
aforesaid sub-section, to be disqualified for being elected or being in office for
such period not exceeding three years, as he may specify in such order and if
the officer is an employee of the society impose a penalty on him of any
amount not exceeding five thousand rupees:
Provided that no order shall be made under this sub-section unless the
person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard by an officer
not below the rank of Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies.
(6) If the byelaws of a society provides for election of all or some
members of the committee on territorial basis, such members of the committee
shall be elected from the area in a meeting of the members of that area in
accordance with the provisions of the byelaws on a date prior to that of general
meeting. The results thereof shall be affixed on the notice board of the society
and also at the place of the general meeting prior to the commencement of the
proceedings in annual general meeting.
(7) At every annual general meeting of a society, the committee
shall lay before the society a statement showing details of loans or advances, if
any, outstanding during the proceeding years, in the name of the members of
the committee, their family members and near relations.
Explanation.-For the purpose of sub-section(7) family members shall
include wife, husband and dependent children.
(7-A)(i) The term of the committee shall be five years from the date on which
first meeting of the committee is held:
Provided that where a committee superseded, suspended or removed
under the Act is reinstated as a result of any order of any court or authority, the
period during which the committee remained under supersession, suspension
out of office as the case may be, shall be excluded in computing the period of
the term aforesaid.
41
(ii) The term of the representative elected by the committee of the society
shall be co-terminus with the term of the committee of the society for which
representative is elected:
Provided that the representative of a committee shall continue to hold
his office till the expiry of the term of the committee of which he is a member.
(7-AA) The State Government may, by notification, for reasons to be stated
therein, extend the term of the committee of a society or a class of societies
from time to time, for a total period not exceeding twelve months/thirty six
months.
(7-AAA) Notwithstanding the expiry of the maximum period of eighteen
months specified in sub-section (7-AA), in respect of the committees between
the period commencing on the 7th May, 1988 (hereinafter referred to as the
said date) and ending on the date of publication of the Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Ordinance, 1988, in Gazette the period in
respect of such Committees shall be deemed to have been extended for a period
of six months with effect from the said date as if the notification for the
extension of the period were issued under sub-section (7-AA) on the said date.
(8)(i) It shall be obligatory on the outgoing committee of the society to hold
elections prior to the expiration of the term under sub-section (7-A) or extended
term under sub-section (7-AA). The outgoing committee shall apply to the
Registrar for holding election within a reasonable time which shall not be in
any case less than ninety days before expiration of the term of the committee:
Provided that if the outgoing committee has resolved and requested the
Registrar to hold election at least ninety days in advance and the Registrar has
failed to conduct elections on its request, the Registrar shall not assume charge
of the committee and the members of the committee shall continue to hold the
offices:
Provided further, that if the Registrar fails to conduct elections of the
committee within ninety days from the date of expiry of the term of the
committee, the committee of the society shall appoint returning officer who
shall conduct the election of the committee within 180 days from the date of
the expiry of the term.
(ii) If the committee fails to hold election and has not handed over the
charge on expiration of the term, under sub-section(7-A) or extended term
under sub-section (7-AA) to the Registrar or any officer authorized by him on
his behalf, all the members of the committee shall be deemed to have vacated
their seats and the Registrar shall assume charge and hold election as early as
possible.
(9)(a) Every society shall record in the minutes book, the minutes of all the
proceedings of every general meeting and all other meetings of its committee.
(b) Such minutes shall be circulated to all the persons invited for the
meeting, within thirty days from the conclusion of the meeting.
(c) The minutes so recorded shall be signed by the person who presided
over the said meetings.
(10) Omitted
49-A Omitted
49-B. Annulment of proceedings of society by successor committee.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the rules made thereunder
and byelaws of a society, any resolution passed by a committee shall not be
42
modified or annulled by the successor committee without the previous sanction
in writing of the Registrar.
49-C. Government’s powers to give directions in public interest, etc.-(1) If
the State Government, on receipt of a report from the Registrar or otherwise is
satisfied that in the public interest or for the purpose of securing proper
implementation of cooperative production and other development programmers
approved or under taken by Government, or to secure the proper management
of the business of the society generally, or for preventing the affairs of the
society being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the
members or of the depositors or the creditors thereof, it is necessary to issue
directions to any class of societies generally or to any society or societies in
particular, the State Government may issue directions to them from time to
time, and all societies or the societies concerned, as the case may be, shall be
bound to comply with such directions.
(2) The State Government may modify or cancel and directions
issued under sub-section (1), and in modifying or canceling such directions
may impose such conditions as it may deem fit.
(3) Where the Registrar is satisfied that any person or committee
responsible for complying with any directions or modified directions issued to
a society under sub-section (1) or (2) has failed without sufficient reason or
justification to comply with the directions, the Registrar may-
(i) in case of a committee, proceed against such committee in
accordance with the provisions of section 53; and
(ii) in case of a person, if the person is a member of committee of
the society or an employee of the society, proceed against such person in
accordance with the provisions of Section 53-B or the rules framed under subsection (1) of section 55 as the case may be:
Provided that directions involving financial losses to the societies will
be given only with prior consent of the committee, of such society and, where
necessary, of National Financial Institutions, as well as after making the
provision and advance allotment for compensating such losses fully.
49-D. Registrar’s power to give directions to make regulations.-(1) If the
Registrar is of the opinion that, having regard to the financial condition of the
society and financial interest of Government therein, it is necessary to regulate
the manner of carrying on its trade or business, he may, subject to any rules
made in this behalf, direct such society to make regulations in that behalf and
forward them to him for approval.
(2) On receipt of the regulations made by the society, the Registrar
may approve them with or without modifications. On approval of such
regulations, the society shall carry on its business in accordance with
regulations.
(3) If any society fails to forward such regulations to the Registrar
when directed by him under sub-section (1) within a period of three months
from the date on which the direction is given, the Registrar shall himself make
or cause to be made such regulations and require the society to carry on its
business in accordance with such regulations and thereupon the society shall be
bound to comply with such requirement:
Provided that the provisions of this section shall be applied to
the co-operative credit structure by the Registrar in accordance with the
guidelines laid down by the National Bank for this purpose.
43
49-E. Appointment of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in
certain circumstances.-(1)(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act
or rules or byelaws made thereunder for any Apex Society where the State
Government has contributed to it share capital or has given loans or financial
assistance or has guaranteed the repayment of loans granted in any other form,
there shall be a Managing Director, not below the rank of class I Officer, who
shall be selected by a committee constituted at the State level consisting of the
Agriculture Production Commissioner, Chairman of the Apex Society,
Registrar Co-operative Societies and one Director nominated by the Board of
Apex Society :
Provided that if the committee fails to select the Managing Director
unanimously, the matter shall be referred to the State Government whose
decision thereon shall be final:
Provided further that in case of State Co-operative Bank, the Chief
Executive Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Bank as
per the guidelines issued by the Registrar in accordance with the criteria
stipulated by the Reserve Bank.
(b) The Managing Director shall be ex-officio member of the
committee.
(2)(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or the Rules or byelaws
made thereunder for every Central society where the State Government has
contributed to its share capital or has given loans or financial assistance or has
guaranteed the repayment of loans, debentures, or advances or has given grants
in any other form, there shall be a Managing Director or a General Manager not
below the rank of Class II Officer who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of
the society and ex-officio member of the committee:
(b) The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed:-
(i) from among the Officers of the cadre maintained under Section
54 if such a cadre has been created;
(ii) in other cases with the prior approval of the Registrar:
Provided that in case of a Central Co-operative Bank, the Chief
Executive Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Bank as
per the guidelines issued by the Registrar in accordance with the criteria
stipulated by the Reserve Bank.
(c) The Chief Executive Officer shall perform such duties and exercise
such powers as may be prescribed.
(3) The Chief Executive Officer of a Co-operative Bank shall have such
qualifications as may be specified by the Registrar in accordance with the
guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank.

  1. Special General Meeting.-(1) The Committee may at any time, call a
    special general meeting of the society and shall call such meeting within one
    month after the receipt of a requisition in writing from the Registrar or from
    one-tenth of total number of members.
    (2) If a special general meeting of a society is not called in
    accordance with the requisition referred to in sub-section (1), the Registrar or
    any person authorized by him in this behalf, shall be deemed to be a meeting
    called by the Committee.
    (2-a) Where any officer whose duty it was to call such a meeting in
    accordance with the provisions of this Act, or the rules or byelaws made
    thereunder fails without reasonable excuse to call such meeting, the Registrar
    44
    may, by order, declare such officer to be disqualified for being a member of the
    committee for such period not exceeding (seven years) as he may specify in
    such order and if the officer is an employee of the society impose on him a
    penalty not exceeding (five thousand) rupees:
    Provided that no order shall be made under this sub-section unless the
    person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
    (3) The matters before a special general meeting may include all or
    any of the matters specified in Section 49.
    50-A. Disqualification for being candidate or voter for election to Board
    of Director or representative or delegate of society.-(1) No person shall be
    qualified to be a candidate for election as member of the Board of Directors,
    representative or delegate of the society if he is in default for a period
    exceeding 12 months to the society or any other society for any loan or advance
    taken by him. (2) A person elected to an office of a society shall cease to hold
    such office, if he is in default for a period exceeding 12 months to the society
    or any other society for any loan or advance taken by him, and the Registrar
    shall declare his seat vacant:
    Provided that a person elected to an office of a co-operative
    bank from a society other than co-operative credit structure, shall cease to hold
    such office, if such society commits default for any loan or advance for a
    period exceeding three months, and the Registrar shall declare his seat vacant.
    (3) No person shall be entitled to vote at any election of the Board
    of Directors, representative or delegate of the society, if he is in default for a
    period exceeding 12 months to the society or any other society for any loan or
    advance taken by him.
  2. Validation of acts.- No act of a society or of any committee or of any
    officer shall be deemed to be invalid by reason only of the existence of any
    defect in procedure or in the constitution of the society or of the committee or
    in the appointment or election of an officer or on the ground that such officer
    was disqualified for his appointment.
  3. Power to appoint Government nominees.- (1) Where the State
    Government has subscribed to the share capital of a co-operative society, the
    State Government, as the case may be, or any person, authorized by the State
    Government, shall have right to nominate in the Board of Directors, such
    number of persons, as its member on the following basis, namely:-
    (a) where the total amount of issued equity share capital held by the
    State Government is less than twenty-six per cent. of the total issued equity
    share capital, one member of the Board of Directors;
    (b) where the total amount of issued equity share capital held by the
    State Government is twenty-six per cent. or more but less than fifty one per
    cent. Of the total issued equity share capital, two members of the Board of
    Directors;
    © where the total amount of issued equity share capital held by the
    State Government is fifty-one per cent. Or more of the total issued share
    capital, three members of the Board of Directors:
    Provided that the number of such nominated persons shall not exceed
    one-third of the total number of members of the Board of Directors:
    45
    Provided further that where the State Government has guaranteed the
    repayment of Principal and Payment of interest on debentures issued by a Cooperative society or has guaranteed the repayment of Principal and payment of
    interest on loans and advances to a Co-operative society or has given any
    assistance by way of grants or otherwise to a Co-operative Society, the State
    Government as the case may be, or any person authorized by the State
    Government, shall have the right to nominate person on the Board of Directors
    of such a society in the manner as may be prescribed.
    (2) A person nominated under sub-section shall hold office during the
    pleasure of the State Government.
    (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every person
    nominated on the Board of Directors of a society under sub-section (1), shall
    have one vote in such committee:
    Provided that the nominated person and Ex-officio directors from other
    societies shall not be entitled to vote in any election or removal of the office
    bearers of the committee of the society.
    (4) When the Government has subscribed to the share capital or, has
    guaranteed the repayment of principal and payment of interest on loans and
    advances to, a society to the extent of rupees five lacs or more and the society
    has incurred loss to the extent of twenty-five per cent. or more of its own
    capital, the State Government on its satisfaction after receiving a report from
    the Registrar may notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the rules
    made thereunder or byelaws of the society, nominate one of the members
    nominated by it under sub-section (1) as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
    the Society and further appoint one of the nominated members as Managing
    Director, General Manager or Manager of the Society.
    Explanation.-The replaced Chairman shall continue to be a Director inn the
    Board.
    Explanation.-For the purposes of this sub-section, if any person holding a
    specified office mentioned in this sub-section resigns such office at any time
    during any term, he shall on his resignation be deemed to have completed his
    term of office.
    (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section,-
    (a) in the case of co-operative credit structure the share capital of
    the State Government shall not be more than twenty five percent
    of the issued equity share capital;
    (b) in the case of Co-operative Bank, if the State Government has
    contributed to the share capital of the bank, there shall be only
    one nominee of the State Government in the Board of Directors
    of the Bank;
    (c) there shall be no nominee of the State Government in the Board
    of Directors of Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative Society.
    52-A. xxx
    52-B. Representation of women members on committee.-If in the opinion
    of the State Government, it is necessary to provide adequate representation to
    women members on a committee of such society or class of societies, as it may,
    by general or special order, specify it may direct such society to provide
    reservation of seat for women on its committee:
    Provided that the number of seats so reserved shall not exceed (four) in
    such committee:
    46
    Provided further that in the event of a society failing to elect the
    requisite number of women members in its committee or to elect less than such
    number of women members, the remaining members of the committee shall coopt the requisite number of women members, from amongst women members
    of such society entitled to such representation and in the event of committee
    failing to co-opt requisite renumber of women members the Registrar shall
    nominate the requisite number of members from amongst women members of
    such society entitled to such representation.
  4. Supersession of committee.-(1) If, in the opinion of the Registrar, the
    committee of any society-
    (a) (xxx) is negligent in the performance of the duties imposed on it
    by or under this Act or bye-laws of the society or by any lawful order passed by
    the Registrar or is unwilling to perform such duties; or
    (b) commits acts which are prejudicial to the interests of the society
    or its members; or
    (c) violates the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder
    or byelaws of the society or any order passed by the Registrar:
    the Registrar may, by order in writing, remove the committee and appoint a
    person or persons to manage the affairs of the society for a specified period not
    exceeding two years in the first instance:
    Provided that if, in the opinion of the Registrar, the Board of Directors
    of any Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative Society-
    (i) incurs losses for three consecutive years; or
    (ii) commits serious financial irregularities or fraud is identified; or
    (iii) there is perpetual lack of quorum in the meetings of the Board of
    Directors,
    the Registrar may, by order in writing, remove the Board of Directors and
    appoint a person or persons to manage the affairs of the society for two months
    which may be extended by him for such period not exceeding six months for
    the reasons to be recorded in writing:
    Provided further that in case of a Co-operative Bank, the order of
    supersession shall not be passed without previous consultation with the Reserve
    Bank:
    Provided further that if no communication containing the views of the
    Reserve Bank of India, on action proposed is received within thirty days of the
    receipt by that Bank of the request soliciting consultation, it shall be presumed
    that the Reserve Bank of India agrees with the proposed action and the
    Registrar shall be free to pass such order as may be deemed fit:
    Provided also that in case of a Co-operative bank, if so required by the
    Reserve Bank in the public interest or for preventing the affairs of the Cooperative Bank being conducted in a manner, detrimental to the interest of the
    depositors or for securing the proper management of a Co-operative Bank, the
    Registrar shall pass an order for the supersession of its committee or managing
    body by whatever name called and for appointment of an Administrator
    therefor for such period or periods not exceeding 5 years in the aggregate, as
    may from time to time be specified by the Reserve Bank and on such
    appointment, the provisions of sub-section (4), (5), (6) and (8) shall apply as if
    orders were passed under sub-section (1):
    Provided also that if a non-official is appointed in the committee of a
    primary society, he shall be from amongst the members of that society, entitled
    47
    for such representation and in case of Central or Apex society, if a person is
    appointed in the committee of such society, he shall be a member of one of its
    affiliated societies entitled for such representation.
    (2) No order under sub-section (1) shall be passed unless a list of
    allegations, documents and witnesses in support of charges leveled against it
    has been provided and the committee has been given a reasonable opportunity
    of showing cause against the proposed order and representation, if any, made
    by it, is considered.
    (3) The period specified in the order under sub-section (1) may, at
    the discretion of the Registrar, be extended, from time to time:
    Provided that no such order shall remain in force for more than three
    years in the aggregate.
    (4) The person or persons so appointed, shall subject to the control
    of the Registrar and to such instructions as he may, from time to time, give,
    have power to exercise all or any of the powers and to discharge all or any of
    the functions of the committee or of any officer of the society, and to take all
    such actions, as may be required in the interest of the society.
    (5) The Registrar may fix the remuneration payable to the person or
    persons so appointed. The amount of such remuneration and other costs, if
    any, incurred in the management of the society shall be payable from its funds.
    (6) The person or persons so appointed shall, (before) the expiry of
    the period of his or their appointment, arrange the constitution of a new
    committee in accordance with the bye-laws of the society:
    Provided that where the Board of Directors of a co-operative credit
    structure has been superseded, the person so appointed shall arrange for the
    constitution of new Board of Directors in accordance with the bye-laws of the
    society within two months, and if the Registrar has extended the period under
    the first proviso to sub-section (1), the person so appointed shall arrange the
    constitution of new Board of Directors within the extended period.
    (7) Before taking action under sub-section (1) in respect of a
    financing Bank or in respect of a society indebted to a financing bank, the
    Registrar shall consult, in the former case, the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Limited and, in the latter case, the financing bank concerned,
    regarding such action. If the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Bank limited
    or the financing bank, as the case may be, fails to communicate its views within
    thirty days of the receipt by such bank of the request soliciting consultation, it
    shall be presumed that the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Limited,
    or the financing bank concerned, as the case may be, agreed with the proposed
    action.
    (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in Sections 48, 49 and 50,
    if there is a difference of opinion between the general body of society and the
    person or persons appointed under sub-section (1) in respect of any matter, it
    shall be referred to the Registrar for decision and his decision thereon shall be
    final:
    Provided that if the Registrar fails to take any decision within three
    months of the general body meeting, the decision of the general body of the
    society shall prevail.
    (9) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the power of
    the Registrar to direct the winding up of the society.
    48
    (10) During the period between the issuance of notice and the
    passing of an order removing the committee, the committee may be required by
    the Registrar to function under the supervision, and with the approval of such
    authority as the Registrar may specify in this behalf and no order made or
    resolution passed or any other act performed by the committee, shall be
    effectual unless it is approved by such specified authority:
    Provided where the Registrar, while proceeding to take action under
    sub-section (2), is of the opinion that the supersession of the committee during
    the period of proceeding is necessary in the interest of the society he may
    suspend the committee, which shall thereupon cease to function and make such
    arrangement as he thinks fit, of the affairs of the society till the proceedings are
    completed and order issued under sub-section (1):
    Provided further that the period of suspension shall not exceed six
    months and on the expiry of said period the suspension of the Committee shall
    stand revoked.
    Provided also that, if the committee so suspended, is not superseded
    after undergoing the proceeding mentioned above, it shall be re-instated and the
    period during which it has remained suspended shall not count towards its term.
    Provided also that no order of suspension shall be made unless the
    committee of the society has been given a reasonable opportunity of being
    heard.
    (11) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Registrar
    shall, in case of Central Co-operative Banks, Urban Co-operative Banks and
    Primary Co-operative Land Development Banks, if the recovery continuously
    in three co-operative years is less than 60 per cent of the demand or if the
    overdues exceed 40 per cent. pass an order for removal of the committee or the
    Managing Committee by whatever name it is called of the Bank and for
    appointment of a administrator therefor for such period or periods not
    exceeding five years in the aggregate, as may be specified by the Registrar and
    on such appointment, the provisions of sub-sections (4), (5) and (6) shall apply
    thereto as if an order was passed under sub-section (1):
    Provided that in case of a co-operative bank, the order of removal shall
    not be passed without previous consultation with the Reserve Bank
    Provided further that if no communication containing the views of the
    Reserve Bank of India, on action proposed is received within thirty days of the
    receipt by that bank of the request soliciting consultation, it shall be presumed
    that the Reserve Bank of India agrees with the proposed action and the
    Registrar shall be free to pass such order as may be deemed fit:
    Provided also that no such order shall be made unless the Board of
    Directors has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the
    proposed order and representation, if any, made by it is considered.
    (12) When a committee of a society has been superseded under subsection (1) any member of the committee, notwithstanding anything contained
    in this Act, rules made thereunder or byelaws of the society, shall not be
    eligible for contesting the election as a member of the committee nor he shall
    be eligible for cooption or nomination in that society for a period of seven
    years:
    Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a member of the
    committee of a society who was not a party of such a decision of the committee
    which led to the supersession of it.
    49
    (13) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or rules made
    thereunder or byelaws of society, if the committee of society ceases to function
    due to order of any Court or otherwise, the Registrar may appoint a person or
    committee of persons temporarily till the Court order is vacated or the new
    elections are held and the committee takes charge:
    Provided that in case of a Co-operative Bank, no person or committee
    of persons shall be appointed by the Registrar without previous consultation
    with the Reserve Bank:
    Provided further that if no communication containing the views of the
    Reserve Bank of India, on action proposed is received within thirty days of the
    receipt by that bank of the request soliciting consultation, it shall be presumed
    that the Reserve Bank of India agrees with the proposed action and the
    Registrar shall be free to pass such order as may be deemed fit.
    53-A. Taking over of charge.-(1) If-
    (i) the committee of a society is reconstituted at a general meeting
    of the society under section 49; or
    (ii) the term of the committee of a society expires in pursuance of an
    order issued under clause (iii) of sub-section (7-A) of section 49; or
    (iii) the committee of a society is removed or suspended or ceases to
    function under section 53; or
    (iv) the society is ordered to be wound up under section 69, the
    person or persons entitled to receive the charge of the committee or society, as
    the case may be, shall assume charge-
    (a) from the date of election of a committee at the general meeting
    in case of (i) above;
    (b) from the date of order issued by the State Government under
    clause (iii) of sub-section (7-A) of section 49 in case of (ii) above;
    (c) from the date of order of the Registrar appointing him/them to
    manage the affairs of the society in case of (iii) above, and
    (d) from the date of order of the Registrar appointing a
    liquidator in case of (iv) above:
    and outgoing members of the committee shall be bound to handover charge, the
    records and property of the society to those assuming charge on the date as
    herein provided.
    (2) The person entitled to receive charge of the committee or
    society, as the case may be, under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to have
    assumed charge of his office as from the date mentioned in sub-section (1),
    whether such charge has been actually handed over or not.
    53-B. Powers of the Registrar to remove an Officer of a society in certain
    circumstances.-(1) If in the opinion of the Registrar, any officer of the cooperative society has been grossly negligent in the discharge of his duties
    imposed on him by or under this Act, the rules made thereunder or byelaws or
    has, by a fraudulent Act, caused financial loss to the society the Registrar may
    without prejudice to any other action that may or can be taken against him, call
    upon the Board of Directors of the Society to remove within a specified period
    such officer from the office held by him and where necessary also to disqualify
    him from holding any office under that society for a period not exceeding six
    years, whereupon the Board of Directors of the society shall after affording
    opportunity to the officer concerned of being heard, pass the order of removal.
    50
    (2) On the failure of the society to take action under sub-section (1),
    the Registrar may after affording opportunity to the officer of being heard and
    for reasons to be recorded, and communicated to the officer and the society
    concerned, remove or remove and disqualify for a period not exceeding three
    years, the officer from holding any office under that society for the period
    specified in the order.
    (3) An officer removed under the sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
    shall with effect from the date of communication of the order, cease to hold that
    office and if disqualified shall not be eligible to hold any office under that
    society for the period specified in the order.
    53-C. Removal of officer of Co-operative Bank.-Where any officer of the
    Co-operative Bank does not fulfill the eligibility criteria stipulated by the
    Reserve Bank, the Registrar by his own or on the request of the Reserve Bank
    for removal of the officer, shall remove the officer concerned, after affording
    opportunity to the officer of being heard and for reasons to be recorded and
    communicated to the officer and the Co-operative Bank concerned.
  5. Appointment of Managers, Secretaries and other officers.-(1) No
    society shall appoint a Manager, Secretary, Accountant or other paid officer
    unless he holds such qualifications as may be prescribed.
    (2) The Apex and Central Societies shall maintain such cadres of
    officers and other servants as the State Government may, by order, direct and
    the conditions of service of members of such cadre shall be such as the
    Registrar may, by order, determine.
    (3) The State Government may, by notification, specify the class of
    societies which shall employ officers from such cadres maintained by the Apex
    or Central Societies under sub-section (2) as may be specified therein and it
    shall be obligatory on the part of such class of societies to accept and appoint
    such cadre officers on the cadre posts as and when deputed by the Apex or
    Central Societies.
  6. Registrar’s power to determine conditions of employment in
    societies.-(1) The Registrar may, from time to time, frame rules governing the
    terms and conditions of employment in a society or class of societies and the
    society or class of societies to which such terms and conditions of employment
    are applicable shall comply with the order that may be issued by the Registrar
    in this behalf.
    Provided that in the case of co-operative credit structure, the Registrar
    may frame rules governing the terms and conditions of employment on the
    basis of the guidelines specified by the National Bank.
    (2) Where a dispute, including a dispute regarding terms of
    employment working conditions and disciplinary action taken by a society,
    arises between a society and its employees, the Registrar or any officer
    appointed by him not below the rank of Assistant Registrar shall decide the
    dispute and his decision shall be binding on the society and its employees:
    Provided that the Registrar or the officer referred to above shall not
    entertain the dispute unless presented to him within thirty days from the date of
    order sought to be impugned:
    Provided further that in computing the period of limitation under the
    foregoing proviso, the time requisite for obtaining copy of the order shall be
    excluded.
    51
  7. Registrar’s power to enforce performance of obligation.-(1) every
    society shall maintain such records, registers and books of accounts and shall
    furnish to the Registrar such information and such returns as may be required
    by him from time to time.
    (2) Every society shall fix specific responsibility on the officer or
    employee of, the society to maintain such records, registers, books of accounts
    and to furnish to the Registrar such information and such returns as may be
    required by order by him, from time to time within the period specified in such
    order.
    (3) If any officer or the employee of the society, on whom specific
    responsibility has been fixed under sub-section (2), fails to maintain the
    records, registers, books of accounts and to furnish to the Registrar, such
    information and such returns as may be required by the Registrar within the
    specified time, the Registrar may, by order, declare such officer to be
    disqualified for being a member of the committee for such period not
    exceeding three years as he may specify in such order and if the officer is an
    employee of the society, impose on him a penalty not exceeding five thousand
    rupees:
    Provided that no order shall be made under this sub-section unless the
    person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
  8. Registrar’s power to seize records, etc. – (1) Where the
    Registrar is satisfied that-
    (a) the records, registers or the books of accounts of a society are
    likely to be tampered with or destroyed and the funds and property of a society
    are likely to be misappropriated or misapplied, or
    (b) If the committee of a society is reconstituted at a general
    meeting of the society or the committee of a society is removed by the
    Registrar under section 53 or if the society is ordered to be wound up under
    section 69 and the outgoing members of the committee refuse to handover
    charge of the records and property of the society to those having to, or entitled
    to, receive such charge.
    the Registrar may issue an order directing a person duly authorized by him in
    writing to seize and take possession of such books and records, funds and
    property of the society and the officer or officers of the society responsible for
    the custody of such books, records, funds and property shall give delivery
    thereof to the person so authorized.
    (2) In order to secure compliance of the orders under clause (b) of
    sub-section (1) the Registrar may take or cause to be taken such steps and use
    or cause to be used such minimum force including Police Force as may be
    considered necessary.
    57-A. Taking possession of record and property.-(1) Where the Registrar is
    satisfied that the books and records of a society are likely to be suppressed,
    tampered with or destroyed, or the funds and property of a society are likely to
    be misappropriated or misapplied, the Registrar or the person authorized by
    him may apply to the Executive Magistrate within whose jurisdiction the
    society is functioning, for seizing and taking possession of the records and
    property of the society.
    (2) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the
    Magistrate may authorize any police officer not below the rank of a sub-
    52
    inspector to enter and search any place where the records and property are kept
    are likely to be kept and to seize them and handover possession thereof to the
    Registrar or the person authorized by him, as the case may be.
    CHAPTER VI
    AUDIT, INQUIRY, INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION
  9. Audit and audit-fee.-(1) Every society shall get the accounts audited
    once at least every year by the person authorized by the Registrar in writing,
    by general or special order in this behalf, and shall pay the audit fee as may be
    prescribed:
    Provided that-
    (i) the State Government may, by notification, for reasons to be
    specified therein, exempt any class of societies;
    (ii) the Registrar may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, exempt
    any society from the payment of audit fees or part thereof, under this subsection:
    Provided further that a Central Society or an Apex Society or an Urban
    Co-operative Bank may get the accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant
    approved by the Registrar:
    Provided further that Co-operative Bank may get the accounts audited
    by a Chartered Accountant approved by the National Bank, and the audit fees
    shall be paid by the Bank as may be determined by them:
    Provided further that the Primary Agriculture Credit Co-operative
    Society shall have option to get the accounts audited by the Chartered
    Accountant or the Registrar:
    Provided also that after the completion or issuance of the audit report,
    the Registrar has reason to believe or the Reserve Bank has instructed that the
    accounts be audited again or if there is complaint of financial irregularities or
    embezzlement, he may order special audit for the purpose.
    (2) The audit under sub-section (1) shall include an examination of
    the accounts and the overdue debts, if any compliance of the instructions and
    orders of the Registrar issued under this Act, Rules made thereunder and
    Byelaws of the society, the verification of cash balance and securities and
    valuation of the assets and liabilities of the societies and such other items as
    may be specified by the Registrar.
    (3) The Registrar or the authorized person shall at all times have
    access to all the books, accounts, documents, papers, securities, cash and other
    properties belonging to, or in the custody of, the society and may summon any
    person in possession of, or responsible for, the custody of any such books,
    accounts, documents, papers, securities, cash or other properties, to produce the
    same at any place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof.
    (4) Every person who is, or has at any time been, an officer or
    employee of the society, and every member and past member of a society shall
    furnish such information in regard to the transactions and working of the
    society as the Registrar or the person authorized by him may, require.
    58-A. Audit Board.-For the purpose of conducting audit and supervision of
    any society or class of societies, the State Government may constitute an Audit
    Board which may exercise such powers of the Registrar as the State
    53
    Government may, by notification specify in this behalf and the Audit Board
    shall exercise these powers to the exclusion of the Registrar.
    58-B. Procedure for making good, losses caused to a society.-(1)If in the
    course of an audit, inquiry, inspection or the winding up of a society or
    otherwise, it is found that any person, who is or was entrusted with
    organization or management of such society or any deceased, past or present
    chairman, secretary, member of Board of Directors, officer or employee of the
    society has made any payment contrary to the provisions of this Act or the rules
    made thereunder or byelaws of a society or has caused any deficiency or loss
    by gross negligence or misconduct or has misappropriated or fraudulently
    retained any money or other property belonging to such society, the Registrar
    may on his own motion or on the application of the Board of Directors,
    liquidator or any creditor may make an order requiring such person or in the
    case of a deceased person, his legal representative who inherits his estate, to
    repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof, with interest at such
    rate or to pay contribution and costs or compensation to such extent as the
    Registrar may consider just and equitable :
    Provided that no order under this sub-section shall be made unless the
    person concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the
    matters.
    Provided further that the liability of a legal representative of the
    deceased shall be to the extent of the property of the deceased, which has come
    to the hands of such legal representative.
    (2) Any person aggrieved by the order made under sub-section (1),
    may within thirty days from the date of communication of the order to him,
    appeal to the Tribunal:
    Provided that in computing the period of limitation, the time requisite
    for obtaining a copy of the order appealed against shall be excluded.
    (3) Any order made under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be
    enforced in accordance with the provisions of Section 85.
    (4) In the Registrar is satisfied on affidavit, enquiry or otherwise
    that any person with intent to delay or obstruct the enforcement of any order
    that may be made against him under this Section-
    (a) is about to dispose of the whole or any part of his
    property; or
    (b) is about to remove the whole or any part of his property
    from the jurisdiction of the Registrar,
    he may, unless adequate security is furnished, direct the conditional attachment
    of the said property or such part thereof as he thinks necessary.
  10. Inquiry.-(1) The Registrar may on the application of,-
    (i) a society to which the society is affiliated; or
    (ii) a creditor to whom the society is indebted; or
    (iii) not less than one third of the members of the committee; or
    (iv) not less than one-tenth of the total number of members of the
    society
    hold an enquiry or cause an inquiry to be made into the specific matters raised
    in the application relating to the constitution, working and financial condition
    of the society.
    54
    (2) The Registrar shall order an inquiry only on the receipt of a fee
    from the applicant or applicants, as the case may be, as determined by him to
    be sufficient to meet the costs of the inquiry to be conducted.
    (3) The inquiry shall be completed within a period of four months
    from the date of ordering the inquiry.
    (4) The Registrar shall, as early as possible after the completion of
    inquiry, communicate the report of the inquiry.-
    (i) to the society concerned;
    (ii) to the applicants or the person designated by the
    applicants to receive such a report;
    (iii) to any member of a society;
    (iv) to a federation of which the society is a member; or
    (v) to a creditor;
    as the case may be.
    59-A. Duty of certain person to assist enquiry.-(1) All officers, members
    and past members of the society in respect of whom an inquiry is held, and any
    other person who, in the opinion of the officer holding the inquiry is in
    possession of the information, books and papers relating to the society, shall
    furnish such information as is in their possession and produce all books and
    papers relating to the society which are in their custody or power, and
    otherwise give to the officer holding an inquiry all assistance in connection
    with the enquiry which they can reasonably give.
    (2) If any such person refuses to produce before the Registrar or any person
    authorized by him under sub-section (1) of section 59 any book or papers
    which it is his duty under sub-section (1) to produce or to answer any question
    which is put to him by the Registrar or the person authorized by the Registrar in
    pursuance of sub-section (1), the Registrar or the person authorized by the
    Registrar may certify the refusal and the Registrar may, after hearing, any
    statement which may be offered in defense punish the defaulter with a penalty
    not exceeding five thousand rupees. Any sum imposed as penalty under this
    section shall, on the application by the Registrar or the person authorized by
    him, to a Magistrate, having jurisdiction, be recoverable by the Magistrate as if
    it were a fine imposed by himself.
  11. Inspection of books of society.-(1) The Registrar may on his own
    motion, or on the application of creditor of a society inspect or direct any
    person authorized by him by general or special order in writing in this behalf,
    to inspect the books of the society:
    Provided that no such inspection shall be made on the application of a
    creditor unless the applicant-
    (a) satisfies the Registrar that the debt is a sum then due and that he
    has demanded payment thereof and has not received satisfaction within a
    reasonable time; and
    (b) deposits with the Registrar such sum as security for the costs of
    the proposed inspection as the Registrar may require.
    (2) The Registrar shall communicate the results of any such
    inspection-
    (a) where the inspection is made of his own motion, to the society;
    mad
    (b) where the inspection is made on the application of a creditor, to
    the creditor and the society.
    55
  12. Rectification of defects.-(1) If the result of the audit held under section
    58 or an inquiry held under section 59 or an inspection held under section 60
    discloses any defects in the constitution, working or financial condition or the
    books of a society, the Registrar may bring such defects to the notice of the
    society and if the society is affiliated to another society also to the notice of that
    other society.
    (2) The Registrar may make an order directing the society or its
    officers or the society to which it is affiliated to take such action as may be
    specified in the order within the time mentioned therein to remedy the defects
    disclosed in the adult, inquiry or inspection.
  13. Costs of inquiry.-Where an inquiry is held under section 59 or an
    inspection is made under section 60 on the application of a creditor, the
    Registrar may apportion the costs, or such part of the costs as he may deem fit,
    between the society to which the society concerned is affiliated, the society
    concerned, the members or creditors demanding an inquiry or inspection, and
    the officers or former officers of the society:
    Provided that-
    (a) no order of apportionment of the costs shall be made
    under this section unless the society or the person sought to be made liable to
    pay the costs thereunder has had a reasonable opportunity of being heard;
    (b) the Registrar shall state in writing the grounds on which
    the costs are apportioned.
  14. xxx
    63-A. Expenditure on proceedings, etc. – No expenditure from the funds of a
    society shall be incurred for the purpose of defraying the costs of any
    proceedings filed or instituted in any court by any officer or committee of a
    society against any order made or purporting to have been made by the
    Registrar under Section 19-AA, Chapter V or Chapter VI:
    Provided that where the case is finally decided in favor of the officer or
    the committee, as the case may be, such cost as may be approved by the
    Registrar shall be reimbursed by the society.
    CHAPTER-VII
    DISPUTES AND ARBITRATION
  15. Disputes: – (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for
    the time being in force, [any dispute touching the constitution, management or
    business, or the liquidation of a society shall be referred to the Registrar] by
    any of the parties to the dispute if the parties there to are among the following:-
    (a) a society, its committee, any past committee, any past or present
    officer, any past or present agent, any past or present servant or a nominee,
    heirs or legal representatives of any deceased agent or deceased servant of the
    society, or the liquidator of the society ;
    (b) a member, past member or a person claiming through a member,
    past member or deceased member of a society or of a society which is a
    member of the society ;
    (c) a person other than a member of the society who has been granted a
    loan by the society or with whom the society has or had business transactions
    and any person claiming through such a person.
    56
    (d) a surety of a member, past member of deceased member or a person
    other than a member who has been granted a loan by the society, whether such
    a surety is or is not a member of the society.
    (e) any other society or the liquidator of such a society; and
    (f) a creditor of a society.
    (2) For the purposed of sub-section (1), a dispute shall include –
    (i) a claim by a society for any debt or demand due to it from a
    member , past member or the nominee, heir or legal representative of a
    deceased member, whether such debt or demand be admitted or not;
    (ii) a claim by a surety against the principal debtor where the society
    has recovered from the surety any amount in respect of any debt or demand due
    to it from the principal debtor as a result of the default of the principal debtor,
    whether such debt or demand be admitted or not;
    (iii) a claim by a society for any loss caused to it by a member , past
    member or deceased member, any officer, past officer or deceased officer, any
    agent, past agent or deceased agent, or any servant , past servant or deceased
    servant or its committee, past or present , whether such loss be admitted or not ;
    (iv) a question regarding rights, etc., including tenancy rights
    between a housing society and its tenants or members; and
    ¹ [(v) any dispute arising in connection with the election of any officer
    of the society or of composite society;
    Provided that the Registrar shall not entertain any dispute under this
    clause during the period commencing from the announcement of the election
    programmed till the declaration of the results].
    (3) If any question arising whether a dispute referred to the Registrar is a
    dispute, the decision thereon of the Registrar shall be final and shall not be
    called in question in any court.
  16. Limitation – (1) Not with standing anything contained in the Indian
    Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 1908), and subject to the specific provisions made
    in this Act, the period of limitation for referring the disputes mentioned below
    to the Registrar under section 64 shall –
    (a) when the dispute relates to the recovery of any sum including
    interest thereon due to a society by a member thereof, be six years from the
    date on which such member dies or ceases to be a member of the society.
    (b) when the dispute is between a society or its committee and any
    past committee, any past or present officer , or past or present agent, or past or
    present servant or the nominee, heir or the legal representative of a deceased
    officer, deceased agent or deceased servant of the society, or the legal
    representative of a deceased member and when the dispute relates to any act, or
    omission on the part of either party to the dispute, be six years from the date on
    which the act or omission with reference to which the dispute arose, took place;
    (c) when the dispute is in respect of any matter touching the
    constitution, management or business of a society which has been ordered to be
    wound up under Sec. 69 or in respect of which a nominated committee or a
    person or persons has or have been appointed under Sec. 53, be six years from
    the date of the order issued under Sec. 69 and Sec. 53, as the case may be;
    [(d) when the dispute is in connection with the election of any officer
    of a society, be forty-five days from the date of declaration of the result of such
    election.]
    57
    (2) The period of limitation in the case of any other dispute except those
    mentioned in sub-section (1) which are required to be referred to the Registrar
    under Sec. 64 shall be regulated by the provisions of the Indian Limitation Act,
    1908 (IX of 1908), as if the dispute were a suit and the Registrar a Civil Court.
    (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2) the
    Registrar may admit a dispute after the expiry of the limitation period if the
    applicant satisfies the Registrar that he had sufficient cause for not referring the
    dispute within such period.
  17. Settlement of dispute.-(1) The Registrar may, on receipt of the
    reference of dispute under section 64 (or sub-section (2) of Section 55) decide
    the dispute himself, or transfer it for disposal to a nominee or board of
    nominees to be appointed by the Registrar.
    (2) When a dispute is transferred under sub-section (1) for disposal
    by a nominee or a board of nominees, the Registrar may at any time, for
    reasons to be recorded in writing, withdraw such dispute from such nominee or
    board of nominees and may decide the dispute himself or transfer it again to
    any other nominee or board of nominees appointed by him for decision.
    (3) The decision of a nominee or a board of nominees to whom any
    dispute is transferred for decision under this section shall, for the purposes of
    this Act, be deemed to be the decision of the Registrar
  18. Procedure for settlement of disputes and power of Registrar, his
    nominee or board of nominees.-(1) The Registrar or his nominee or board of
    nominees shall have the power of making interlocutory orders including grant
    of a temporary injunction. In exercising this power, the Registrar or his
    nominee or board of nominees, as the case may be, shall follow the procedure
    laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908), for the purpose of
    making such orders and granting an injunction.
    (2) No party shall be represented at the hearing of the dispute by
    any legal practitioner, except with the permission of the Registrar or his
    nominee or board of nominees, as the case may be:
    Provided that where the permission is so granted, the other party to the
    dispute shall be entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner.
    (3) The Registrar or his nominee, as the case may be, shall record a
    note in Hindi of the evidence of the parties and witnesses who attend and upon
    the evidence so recorded and after consideration of any documentary evidence
    produced by either side, shall give a decision or award, as the case may be,
    which shall be reduced in writing. If the applicant duly summoned is absent,
    the case may he dismissed in default. If the non-applicant is absent, the case
    can be decided ex party. In cases, where three nominees are appointed, the
    majority shall prevail:
    Provided that where a dispute has been decided against any party, in
    default and if such party satisfies the Registrar within thirty days from the date
    of such default, that there was sufficient cause for its non-appearance, the
    Registrar shall make an order setting aside the decision and shall appoint a date
    for proceeding with case.
  19. Attachment before award.-Where the Registrar or a nominee or board
    of nominees, as the case may be, acting under section 66 is satisfied on
    affidavit, enquiry or otherwise that a party to any reference with intent to delay
    or obstruct the execution of any award that may be made.-
    (a) is about to dispose of the whole or any part of his property; or
    58
    (b) is about to remove the whole or any part of his property from the
    jurisdiction of the Registrar;
    the Registrar, a nominee or board of nominees may unless adequate security is
    furnished, direct the conditional attachment of the said property or such part
    thereof as he thinks necessary through such agency authorized by him as he
    may deem fit and such attachment shall have the same effect as if it had been
    made by a competent Civil Court.
    CHAPTER VIII – LIQUIDATION
  20. Winding up of societies.-(1) If the Registrar, after an inquiry has been
    held under section 59, or an inspection has been made under section 60 or on
    receipt of an application made by no less than three-fourths of the members of
    a society, is of opinion that the society ought to be wound up, he may issue an
    order directing the winding up of a society.-
    (a) where the society has not commenced working within a
    reasonable time of its registration or has ceased to work; or
    (b) where in the opinion of the Registrar the society has been
    working mainly for promoting the interest of any individual or group of
    individuals and not of the members generally; or
    (c) where the society has ceased to comply with any conditions as
    to registration or management under this Act, rules or bye-laws; or
    (d) Where the primary credit society continues to be in default by
    not recovering its full overdue demand from members for continuous three
    cooperative years and even after super session, it fails to recover full overdue
    demand.
    (3) No order under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be passed unless
    the society concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing
    cause against the proposed order and representation, if any made by it is
    considered.
    (4) The Registrar may cancel an order for the winding up of a society, at
    any time prior to the cancellation of its registration in any case where, in his
    opinion, the society should continue to exist.
    (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no co-operative
    bank shall be wound up, except with the previous sanction in writing of the
    Reserve Bank of India.
    69-A. Winding up of Co-operative Bank. – Notwithstanding anything to the
    contrary contained in this Act, the Registrar shall make an order for winding up
    of a Co-operative Bank, within one month, if so required by the Reserve Bank
    of India in the circumstances mentioned in section 13-D of the Deposit
    Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of 1961) or
    otherwise.
    69-B. Reimbursement of Deposit Insurance Corporation in case of
    insured Bank.-Where a co-operative Bank, being an insured bank within the
    meaning of the Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of 1961), is
    wound up, or taken into liquidation, and the Deposit Insurance Corporation has
    become liable to the depositors of the insured bank under sub-section (1) of
    section 16 of that Act, the Deposit Insurance Corporation shall be reimbursed
    59
    in the circumstances, to the extent and in the manner provided in section 21 of
    the Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, 1961 (No.47 of 1961).
  21. Appointment of Liquidator. – (1) Where the Registrar has made an
    order under section 69 for the winding up of a society, he may appoint a
    liquidator for the purpose and fix his remuneration and may also remove at any
    time any person appointed as liquidator and appoint another instead:
    Provided that in respect of a co-operative bank ordered to be wound up
    on requisition from the Reserve Bank, the liquidator shall not be appointed or
    removed without the previous sanction of Reserve Bank.
    (2) A liquidator shall, on appointment, take into his custody or under his
    control all the property, effects and actionable claims to which the society is or
    appears to be entitled and shall take such steps as he may deem necessary or
    expedient, to prevent loss deterioration of, or damage to such, property, effects
    and claims.
    (4) Where an order of winding up of a society is set aside in appeal, the
    property, effects and actionable claims of the society shall revert in the society’s
    70-A. Control of liquidator. – After the appointment of the liquidator, all
    powers of the Committee of a Society, whether elected or nominated, shall
    cease and the employees of the Society shall thereafter work under the control
    and supervision of the liquidator.
  22. Powers of Liquidator.-(1) Subject to any rules made in this behalf the
    whole of the assets of a society in respect of which an order for winding up has
    been made, shall vest in the liquidator appointed under section 70 from the date
    on which the order takes effect and the liquidator shall have power to realize
    such assets by sale or otherwise.
    (2) Such liquidator shall also have power, subject to the control of the
    Registrar-
    (a) to institute and defend suits and other legal proceedings on
    behalf of the society by the name of his office;
    (b) to determine from time to time the contribution(including debts
    due) to be made or remaining to be made by the members or past members or
    by the estates or nominees, heirs or legal representatives of deceased members
    or by any officers or former officers, to the assets of the society;
    (c) to investigate all claims against the society, and, subject to the
    provisions of this Act, to decide questions of priority arising between
    claimants;
    (d) to pay claims against the society including interest up to the date
    of winding up according to their respective priorities, if any, in full or ratably,
    as the assets of the society may permit: the surplus, if any, remaining after
    payment of the claims being applied in payment of interest from the date of
    such order of winding up at a rate fixed by him but not exceeding the contract
    rate in any case:
    (e) to determine by what persons and in what proportions the costs
    of the liquidation are to be borne;
    (f) to determine whether any person is a member, past member or
    nominee of deceased member;
    (g) to give such directions in regard to the collection and
    distribution of the assets of the society as may appear to him to be necessary for
    winding up the affairs of the society;
    60
    (h) to carry on the business of the society so far as may be necessary
    for the beneficial winding up of the same;
    (i) to make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or
    persons claiming to be creditors or having or alleging to have any claim,
    present or future, whereby the society may be rendered liable; and
    (j) to compromise all calls or liabilities to calls and debts and
    liabilities capable of resulting in debts, and all claims, present or future, certain
    or contingent, subsisting or supposed to subsist between the society and a
    contributory or alleged contributory or other debtor or person apprehending
    liability to the society and all questions in any way relating to or affecting the
    assets or the winding up of the society on such terms as may be agreed and take
    any security for the discharge of any such call, liability, debt or claim and give
    a complete discharge in respect thereof:
    Provided that no liquidator shall determine the contribution, debt or
    dues to be recovered from a member or a past member or the nominee, heir or
    legal representative of a deceased member unless opportunity has been given to
    such member or past member or to such nominee, heir or legal representative to
    explain his position.
    (3) When the affairs of a society have been wound up, the liquidator
    shall make a report to the Registrar and deposit the records of the society in
    such place as the Registrar may direct.
  23. Disposal of surplus assets of liquidated societies.- After all the
    liabilities including the paid-up share capital of a wound up society have been
    met, the surplus assets shall not be divided amongst its members but they shall
    be applied to any object described in the bye-laws of the society and when no
    object is so described, to any object of public utility determined, by the general
    meeting of the society and approved by the Registrar or they may, in
    consultation with them either be assigned by the Registrar in whole or in part to
    any or all of the following:-
    (a) an object of public utility or local or civic interest; or
    (b) the Madhya Pradesh Co-operative Union Ltd., or any other
    institution or Union; or
    (c) may be placed on deposit with a Central Co-operative Bank
    until such time as a new society with similar conditions is registered when with
    the consent of the Registrar such surplus may be credited to the Reserve Fund
    of such new society; or
    (d) a charitable purpose as defined in Sec.2 of the Charitable
    Endowments Act, 1890 (VI of 1890); or
    (e) to each existing member in proportion to his paid up share
    capital.
    CHAPTER VIII – A (S.72-A to 72-E) (Applicable to M.P. only)
    72-A. Application of Chapter. – The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to
    all Co-operative Housing Societies registered under the Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Societies Act, 1960 (No.17 of 1961).
    72-B. Member’s entitlement for plot, house and amenities and the liability
    of the cost.-(1) (a) Every member of a housing society shall be entitled to a
    plot for housing including low density housing, dwelling house or a flat, as the
    case may be, and in case dwelling houses or flat have already been acquired,
    the common amenities and services including housing finance.
    61
    (b) The list of seniority of a member comprising his name, his
    father and mothers name, his date of birth and permanent account number of
    income tax if any shall be maintained by the society and such list shall be
    prepared strictly in accordance with his admission in the society. The list so
    prepared shall be published at the end of every co-operative year by the
    housing society. The list shall be updated every year by the society concerned
    and shall be sent to the Joint/Deputy/Assistant Registrar concerned of the
    district.
    (c) Where a society gets any land from Government or any other
    agency on concessional rate for the housing purposes, it shall be compulsory
    for the member thereof to submit an affidavit to the effect that there is no
    plot/flat/house in his name or in the name of his family member in that
    Municipal area.
    (d) Along with the seniority list of members prepared under clause
    (b) every housing society shall submit its yearly balance sheet and particulars
    of assets and liabilities to the Joint/Deputy/Assistant Registrar concerned of the
    district. This information shall also be made available to general public on the
    web-site of the society. For this purpose service charge equivalent to 10% of
    the audit fee shall be recovered from the society, which shall be credited to the
    account of Housing Federation maintaining the web-site.
    (e) Every member of a housing society shall pay his share of cost of
    land, development, construction, legal expenses, maintenance and services, as
    the case may be, within the specified time as decided by the committee of the
    society.
    (f) If a member fails to pay such share of cost of land, development
    and construction within the prescribed time, the society shall charge interest at
    the rate at which the housing society is availing housing finance and in case the
    default continues beyond a period of two years, it shall cancel the allotment of
    plot, dwelling house or flat, as the case may be.
    (g) If a member fails to pay his share of legal expenses,
    maintenance and services, as the case may be, within the prescribed time, the
    society shall impose a surcharge at the rate of 20% for a period not exceeding
    three months and if default continues beyond three months, the services shall
    be discontinued forthwith:
    Provided that such services shall not be discontinued unless the member
    concerned is given a reasonable opportunity of being heard by the committee in
    this behalf.
    (2) Every member of a housing society shall attend every meeting
    of the general body of which he receives the intimation from the Secretary of
    the committee of the housing society and in case of his absence without prior
    intimation to the committee, he shall be liable to pay fine not exceeding
    Rs.200/- for each default, as may be decided by the general body:
    Provided that no fine shall be imposed unless the member concerned is
    given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
    72-C. Restriction on membership of housing society.-(1) Notwithstanding
    anything contained in this Act and the rules made thereunder, the membership
    of a housing society shall be restricted to a specific number, as may be
    prescribed in the byelaws.
    (2) The housing society may increase its membership upto a
    maximum number, as specified in the byelaws, in such a manner that every
    62
    member of the society may get a plot /dwelling house/flat in order of his
    seniority and avail housing finance, common amenities and services.
    72-D. Offences.-Any of the following acts shall amount to and be construed
    as an offence under Section 74, namely:-
    (i) Transfer of a registered plot, dwelling house of flat to another
    person, in violation of the provisions of this Act, Rules, Byelaws of the society
    or any condition of allotment.
    (ii) Tampering with the seniority of the members.
    (iii) Admitting members in excess of the number prescribed in the
    byelaws.
    (iv) Not developing the land in accordance with the development
    plans of the society.
    (v) Allotment or sale of the land in violation of the approved layout
    plan of the society’s
    (vi) Non-development of the land which is reserved for general use
    of the society such as for community hall, school or hospital, or for any other
    purpose specified in the byelaws.
    (vii) Not maintaining or providing services paid for by the members
    without just and sufficient cause.
    72-E. Penalties for offences.-Every committee, officer or past officer or
    member or past member or an employee or a past employee of a society or any
    other person shall, without prejudice to any action that may be taken against
    him under any law for the time being in force, be liable to be punished:-
    (a) For an offence mentioned in clause (i) of Section 72-D, with a
    fine which may extend to Rs.50, 000/- or with imprisonment for a term which
    may extend to one year or with both:
    (b) For an offence mentioned in clause (ii) of Section 72-D with a
    fine which may extend to Rs.50, 000/-;
    (c) For an offence mentioned in clause (iii) of Section 72-D with a
    fine which may extend to Rs.50, 000/-;
    (d) For an offence mentioned in clauses (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii) with
    a fine which may extend to Rs.50, 000/- or with imprisonment for a term which
    may extend to one year or with both.
    CHAPTER IX
    Offences and Penalties
  24. Prohibition of use of word “Co-operative”.-(1) No person other than
    a society registered under this Act and a person or his successor in his interests
    of any name or title under which he traded or carried on business at the date on
    which this Act came into force, shall, without the sanction of the State
    Government, function, trade or carry on business under any name or title of
    which the word “Co-operative” or its equivalent in any Indian Language forms
    part.
    (2) Every person who is a member of a society formed in
    contravention of sub-section (2) of Sec. 14 and every person contravening the
    provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with a fine which may extend
    to two hundred rupees and in the case of a continuing offence with further fine
    of five rupees for each day on which the offence is continued after conviction
    therefor.
    63
  25. Offences.-It shall be an offence under this Act, if-
    (a) a committee or an officer or member thereof willfully makes a false
    report or furnishes false information or dishonestly fails to maintain accounts or
    dishonestly maintains false accounts; or
    (b) any person collecting share money for a society in formation does not
    deposit the same in the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd., a
    Central Co-operative Bank, an Urban Co-operative Bank or a Postal Savings
    Bank, within fourteen days of its receipt; or
    (c) a person collecting the share money for a society in formation makes
    use of the funds so raised for conducting any business or trading in the name of
    a society to be registered or otherwise; or
    (d) any officer of a society willfully recommends or sanctions for his own
    personal use or benefit or for the use or benefit of a person in whom he is
    interested loan in the name of any other person; or
    (e) an officer or any member destroys, mutilates, alters, falsifies or secrets
    or is privy to the destruction, mutilation, alteration, falsification or secreting of
    any books, papers or securities, or makes or is privy to the making of any false
    or fraudulent entry in any register, book of account or document belonging to
    the society; or
    (f) an officer or a member who is in possession of information, books and
    records, willfully fails to furnish such information or produce such books and
    papers or does not give assistance to a person appointed or authorized by the
    Registrar under Sections.53, 58, 59, 60. (xx).67 and 70; or
    (g) an officer willfully fails to hand over custody of books, records, cash,
    security and other property belonging to the society of which he is an officer, to
    a person appointed under Sec. 53 or 70; or
    (h) a member fraudulently disposes of property over which the society has
    a prior claim or a member or officer or employee or any person disposes of his
    property by sale, transfer, mortgage, gift or otherwise with the fraudulent
    intention of evading the dues of the society; or
    (i) any employer and other director, manager, secretary or other officer or
    agent acting on behalf of such employer who, without sufficient cause, fails to
    comply with provisions of sub-section (2) of Sec. 42; or
    (j) any person acquires or abets in the acquisition of any property which is
    subject to a charge under sub-section (1) of Sec.40; or
    (k) an officer or member of a society or any person does any act or is guilty
    of omission declared by the rules to be an offence.
    Explanation.-For the purposes of this section an officer or a member referred
    to in this section shall include past officer or past member, as the case may be.
  26. Penalties for offences.-Every committee, officer or past officer or
    member or past member or an employee or past employee of a society or any
    other person shall, without prejudice to any action that may be taken against
    him under any law for the time being in force, be liable to be punished:-
    (a) with fine not exceeding Rs.2, 000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in Sec. 74(a);
    (b) with fine not exceeding Rs.1,000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in Sec. 74(b); or
    (c) with fine not exceeding Rs.1, 000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in Sec.74(c);
    64
    (d) with fine not exceeding Rs.2,000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred in sec.74(d); or
    (e) with fine not exceeding Rs.2000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in section 74(e); or
    (f) with fine not exceeding Rs.250, provided that he is convicted of
    an offence referred to in section (f); or
    (g) with fine not exceeding Rs.250, provided that he is convicted of
    an offence referred to in Sec.74 (g); or
    (h) with fine not exceeding Rs.2,000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in sec. 74(h); or
    (i) with fine not exceeding Rs.500, provided that he is convicted of
    an offence referred to in section 74(i); or
    (j) with fine not exceeding Rs.1,000, provided that he is convicted
    of an offence referred to in Sec.74(j); or
    (k) with fine not exceeding Rs.250, provided that he is convicted of
    an offence referred to in sec. 74(k).
  27. Cognizance of offences.-(1) No Court inferior to that of a Magistrate of
    the First Class shall try any offence under this Act.
    (2) No prosecution shall be instituted under this Act without the
    previous sanction in writing of the Registrar and such sanction shall not be
    given without giving to the person concerned an opportunity to represent his
    case.
    CHAPTER – X (S.77 to 80-B) (Applicable to M.P. only)
    Constitution of Tribunal
  28. Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal.-(1) The State
    Government shall, by notification, constitute a Tribunal called the Madhya
    Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal to exercise the powers and to discharge
    the functions conferred or imposed on the Tribunal by or under this Act and the
    Madhya Pradesh Swayatta Sahkarita Adhiniyam, 1999 (N0.2 of 2000).
    (2) The Tribunal shall consist of the Chairman and two other
    members.
    (3) (a) No person shall be qualified to be the Chairman of the
    Tribunal unless he had been a Judge of a High Court or has held the office of a
    District Judge for not less than five years.
    (b) Of the other two members, one shall be an officer of Cooperative Department not below the rank of Joint Registrar and the other shall
    be non-official closely associated with the co-operative movement or an
    Advocate or a Pleader having practical experience in the co-operative
    movement for a period of not less than fifteen years:
    Provided that if the State Government thinks fit, the Tribunal may
    consist of a single person.
    Explanation. – For the purpose of this sub-section “non official” shall
    mean a person who on the date of his appointment as a member, does not hold
    any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any
    State.
    (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a person
    shall be disqualified for being appointed as, or for being a Chairman or a
    65
    member of the Tribunal, if he is a member of the committee of any society
    other than a general body of a society.
    (5) (a) The Chairman and other members of the Tribunal shall
    hold office ordinarily for a period of not less than two years and not more than
    five years as the State Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf.
    (b) A person who has held office as the Chairman or a
    member, for a period mentioned in clause (a) shall be eligible for
    reappointment.
    (c) The Chairman or a member of the Tribunal may, at any
    time, resign his office.
    (d) The Chairman or a member of the Tribunal may with the
    permission of the State Government, held nay other office, appointment or
    employment not inconsistent with his position on the Tribunal.
    (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4) the State
    Government may terminate at any time, the appointment of the Chairman or a
    member if, in its opinion, such Chairman or member is unable or unfit to
    continue to perform the duties of his office:
    Provided that no appointment shall be terminated under this sub-section
    unless the person whose appointment is proposed to be terminated is given
    reasonable opportunity of showing cause against such termination.
    (7) (a) If any vacancy occurs in the office of Chairman or
    member by leave, absence, deputation, death, resignation, expiry of the term of
    appointment, termination of the appointment or for any other cause,
    whatsoever, such a vacancy shall be filled by appointment of a person qualified
    for appointment under this section.
    (b) Till the vacancy in the office of the Chairman is filled
    under sub-section (1), the senior most member shall act as the Chairman of the
    Tribunal.
    (8) The head quarters of the Tribunal shall be at such place as may
    be notified by the State Government in the Gazette.
    (9) The powers and functions of the Tribunal may be exercised and
    discharged by Benches constituted by the Chairman from amongst the
    members of the Tribunal including himself:
    Provided that, any interlocutory application may be heard by one or
    more members who may be present.
    (10) Such Benches shall consist of two or more members.
    (11) Where a matter is heard by three members the opinion of the
    majority shall prevail, and the decision shall be in accordance with the opinion
    of the majority. Where a matter is heard by an even number of members, and
    the members are equally divided, if the Chairman be one of the members, the
    opinion of the Chairman shall prevail, and in other cases the matter shall be
    referred for hearing to the Chairman and shall be decided in accordance with
    his decision.
    (12) Subject to the previous sanction of the State Government, the
    Tribunal shall frame regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act and
    the rules made thereunder, for regulating its procedure and the disposal of its
    business.
    (13) The regulations made under sub-section (12), shall be published
    in the Gazette.
    66
    (14) The Tribunal may sue motto or on the application of a party, call
    for and examine the record of any proceedings in which no appeal lies to it, for
    the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality or propriety of any decision or
    order passed. If in any case, it appears to the Tribunal that any such decision or
    order should be modified, annulled or reversed, the Tribunal may pass such
    order thereon as in may deem just.
    (15) Where an appeal or application is made to the Tribunal under
    this Act, it may, in order to prevent the ends of justice being defeated, make
    such interlocutory orders pending the decision of the appeal or application, as
    the case may be, as may appear to it to be just and convenient, or such orders as
    may be necessary for the ends of justice, or to prevent the abuse of the process
    of the Tribunal.
    (16) An order in appeal revision or review passed under this Act by
    the Tribunal, shall be final and conclusive, and shall not be called in question in
    any Civil or Revenue Court.
    (17) The Tribunal hearing an appeal under this Act shall exercise all
    the powers conferred upon an appellate court by section 97 and order XLI in
    the First Schedule to the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (No.V of 1908).
    77-A. Review-(1) The Tribunal may, either on the application of the
    Registrar, or on the application of any party interested, review its own order in
    any case and pass such order in reference thereto as it thinks just:
    Provided that, no such application made by the part interested shall be
    entertained, unless the Tribunal is satisfied that there has been the discovery of
    new and important matter of evidence, which after the exercise of due diligence
    was not within the knowledge of the applicant or could not be produced by him
    at the time when its order was made, or that there has been mistake or error
    apparent on the face of the record, or any other sufficient reason:
    Provided further that no such order shall be varied or revised, unless
    notice has been given to the parties interested to appear and be heard in support
    of such order.
    (2) An application for review under the sub-section (1) by any party
    shall be made within ninety days from the date of the communication of the
    order of the Tribunal.
    77-B. Tribunal to exercise Powers of a civil court.-(1) In exercising the
    powers conferred on it by or under this Act, the Tribunal shall have all the
    powers as are vested in Civil Court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil
    Procedure, 1908 (No. V of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:-
    (a) proof of facts by affidavits;
    (b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and
    examining him on oath;
    (c) compelling discovery or the production of any document; and
    (d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses.
    (2) In the case of any such affidavit, any officer appointed by the Tribunal
    in this behalf may administer the oath to the deponent.
  29. Appeals before the Registrar and Tribunal.-(1) Save where it
    has been otherwise provided, an appeal shall lie from every original order
    under this Act or the rules made thereunder:-
    67
    (a) if such order is passed by any officer subordinate to Registrar,
    other than Additional Registrar or Joint Registrar, whether or not the Officer
    passing the order is invested with the powers of the Registrar, to the Registrar;
    (b) if such order is passed by the Registrar, Additional Registrar or
    Joint Registrar, to the Tribunal.
    (2) A second appeal shall lie against any order passed in the first
    appeal by the Registrar, to the Tribunal on any of the following ground, and no
    other namely:-
    (i) that the order is contrary to law; or
    (ii) that the order has failed to determine some material issue of law;
    or
    (iii) that there has been a substantial error or defect in the procedure
    as prescribed by this Act which may have produced error or defect in the
    decision of the case upon merits.
    (3) Every appeal shall be presented in the prescribed manner to the
    appellate authority concerned within thirty days of the date on which the order
    appealed against was communicated to the party affected by the order:
    Provided that in computing the period of limitation under this subsection the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the order appealed against
    shall be excluded.
    78-A. Extension of period of limitation by appellate authority in certain
    cases.-In all cases in which it is provided under this Act that an appeal may be
    filed against any decision or order within a specified period, the appellate
    authority may admit an appeal after the expiry of such period if the appellant
    satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring
    the appeal within such period.
  30. No appeal or revision in certain cases.-Notwithstanding anything to
    the contrary contained in this Act, where with previous sanction in writing or
    on the requisition of the Reserve Bank of India.
    (i) an order for the winding up of a co-operative bank is made; or
    (ii) a scheme of compromise or arrangement or of reconstruction or
    re-organization or amalgamation is made or is given effect to; or
    (iii) an order for the supersession or suspension of the committee by
    whatever name called of a Co-operative Bank and the appointment of an
    Administrator therefor, has been made;
    no, appeal, revision or review there against shall lie or be permissible, and such
    order or the sanction or requisition of the Reserve Bank of India shall not be
    liable to be called in question.
  31. Transfer or withdrawal of cases.- Subject to the provisions of
    section 78, the Registrar, Additional Registrar, Joint Registrar, or the Deputy
    Registrar may make over any case or cases arising under the provisions of this
    Act, for decision from his own file to any officer subordinate to him competent
    to decide such case or class of cases or may withdraw any case or class of cases
    from any such officer and may deal with such case or class of cases himself or
    refer the same to any other officer subordinate to him and competent to decide
    such case or class of cases.
    80-A. Power of Registrar to call for proceedings of subordinate
    Officers and committee of a society and to pass orders thereon.- The
    Registrar may, at any time on his own motion or on the application made by
    any party, call for and examine the record of any enquiry or the proceedings by
    68
    any sub-ordinate officer or a decision of a Committee of a Society for which
    Government has contributed to its share capital or has given loans or financial
    assistance or has guaranteed the repayment of loans granted in any other form
    for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the legality or propriety of any
    decision or order passed and as to the regularity of they proceedings of such
    officer or committee. If in any case, it appears to the Registrar that any
    decision or order of proceedings so called for should be modified, annulled or
    reversed, the Registrar, may pass such order thereon as he may deem fit :
    Provided that no order under this Section shall be made to the prejudice
    of any party unless such party has had an opportunity of being heard:
    Provided further that the powers conferred on the Registrar under this
    Section, shall not be delegated to any officer below the rank of Joint Registrar.
    80-B. Transfer of pending cases.-Every appeal or revision or any
    other proceeding pending before the Board of Revenue or the State
    Government, as the case may be, immediately before the date of constitution of
    Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal under this Act, shall stand
    transferred to the Tribunal.
    CHAPTER X – Appeals, Revision and Review
    (Applicable to Chhattisgarh only) (S.77 to 80-F)
  32. Appeal.-(1) Save where it has been otherwise provided, an
    appeal shall lie from every original order under this Act or the rules made there
    under.-
    (i) if such order is passed by an officer other than Registrar,
    Additional Registrar or Joint Registrar, whether or not the Officer passing the
    order is invested with the powers of the Registrar, to the Joint Registrar;
    (ii) if such order is passed by Joint Registrar, whether or not
    invested with the powers of Registrar, to the Registrar or the Additional
    Registrar authorized by Registrar:
    (iii) if such order is passed by Registrar or Additional Registrar, to
    the State Government.
    (2) Save as otherwise provided a second appeal shall lie against every order
    passed in first appeal under this Act or the rules made there under-
    (i) by the Joint Registrar to the Registrar or the Additional
    Registrar authorized by the Registrar;
    (ii) by the Registrar or Additional Registrar, to the State
    Government.
    (3) A second appeal shall lie on any of the following grounds, and no other,
    namely:-
    (i) that the order is contrary to law; or
    (ii) that the order has failed to determine some material issue of law;
    or
    (iii) that there has been a substantial error or defect in the procedure
    as prescribed by this Act which may have produced error or defect in the
    decision of the case on merits.
    (4) Every appeal shall be presented in the prescribed manner to the
    appellate authority concerned, within thirty days of the date on which the order
    appealed against was communicated to the party affected by the order ;
    Provided that in computing the period of limitation under this subsection the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the order appealed against
    shall be excluded.
    69
  33. Revision.- (1) The State Government or the Registrar may at any time
    on its/his motion or on the application made by any party for the purpose of
    satisfying itself/himself as to the legality or propriety of the followings may
    pass such order in reference thereto as it/he think fit.-
    (i) any inquiry or proceedings or any order passed by any officer
    subordinate to it/him;
    (ii) any proceedings or decision or resolution or any order passed by
    the society or committee or sub-committee of society;
    (iii) any inquiry or proceedings or decision or any order passed by
    any officer of any society;
    Provided that no order shall be varied or reversed in revision unless
    notice has been served on the parties interested and opportunity given to them
    of being heard.
    (2) No such application shall be entertained unless presented within thirty
    days from the date of order and in computing the period aforesaid time
    requisite for obtaining a copy of the said order shall be excluded.
  34. No appeal or revision in certain cases. – Notwithstanding anything to
    the contrary contained in this Act, where with previous sanction in writing or
    on the requisition of the Reserve Bank of India,
    (i) an order for the winding up of a co-operative bank is made; or
    (ii) a scheme of compromise or arrangement or reconstruction or reorganization or amalgamation is made or is given effect to; or
    (iii) an order for the supersession or suspension of the committee by
    whatever name called of a co-operative bank and the appointment of an officer
    in charge etc. therefor, has been made:
    no appeal, revision or review there against shall lie or be permissible, and such
    order or the sanction or requisition of the Reserve Bank of India shall not be
    liable to be called in question.
  35. Review.-The State Government or Registrar may, on its/his own
    motion, or on the application of any party interested, review its/his own order
    in, any case and pass such order in reference thereto as it/he thinks just:
    Provided that, no such application made by the party interested shall be
    entertained, nor such a case be taken suo-moto, unless the State Government or
    Registrar is satisfied that there has been the discovery of new and important
    matter of evidence which, after the exercise of due diligence was not within the
    knowledge of the applicant or could not be produced by him at the time when
    the order was made, or that there has been mistake or error apparent on the fact
    of the record, or there is any other sufficient reason:
    Provided that no such order shall be varied, amended or revised, unless
    notice has been given to the parties interested to appear and such interested
    parties have been heard:
    Provided further that application for review of any order, by the parties
    interested shall not be entertained, unless the application is filed within ninety
    days from the passing of the order.
    80-A. Extension of period of limitation by appellate authority in certain
    cases. – In all cases in which it is provided under this Act that an appeal may be
    filed against any decision or order within a specified period, the appellate
    authority may admit an appeal after the expiry of such period if the appellant
    satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring
    the appeal within such period.
    70
    80-B. Transfer or withdrawal of cases.- Subject to the provisions of section
    77 and 78, the Registrar, Additional Registrar, Joint Registrar, or the Deputy
    Registrar may make over any case or class of cases arising under the provisions
    of this Act, for decision from his own file to any officer subordinate to him
    competent to decide such case or class of cases or may withdraw any case or
    class of cases from any such officer and may deal with such case or class of
    cases himself or refer the same for disposal to any other officer subordinate to
    him and competent decide such case or class of cases.
    80-C. Power to make interlocutory orders.- When an application for appeal,
    revision or review is made to State Government, or Registrar under this Act, it
    may in order to prevent the ends of justice being defeated, make such
    interlocutory orders pending the decision of the appeal or application, as the
    case may be, as may appear to it/him to be just and convenient, or make such
    orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice : or to prevent the abuse of
    the legal procedure.
    80-D. Stay of execution of orders. – (1) An officer who has passed any order
    or his successor in office may, at any time before the expiry of the period
    prescribed for appeal or revision, direct the execution of such order to be stayed
    for such time as may be required for filing an appeal or revision and obtaining a
    stay order from the appellate or revisional authority.
    (2) The authority exercising the powers conferred by section 77, section 78
    or section 80 may direct the execution of the order under appeal or revision or
    review to be stayed for such time as it may think fit.
    (3) The officer or authority directing the execution of an order to be stayed
    may impose such conditions or order such security to be furnished as he or it
    thinks fit.
    80-E. Transfer of pending cases.- Every appeal or revision or any other
    proceeding pending before the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Tribunal
    under the Principal Act, shall stand transferred to the State Government on the
    date on which the Chhattishgarh Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act,
    2003 comes into force.
    80-F. Any officer or any authority shall exercise such powers, delegated to
    the State Government by or under this Act, in such areas and in such cases as
    the State Government may direct by special or general order.
    CHAPTER XI – MISCELLANEOUS
  36. Recovery of sums due to Government. – (1) All sums due from a
    society or from an officer, member or past member or a deceased member of a
    society as such to State Government including any costs awarded to
    Government under any provisions of this Act, may, on a certificate issued by
    the Registrar in this behalf, be recovered in the same manner as arrears of land
    revenue.
    (2) Sums due from a society to the State Government and
    recoverable under sub-section (1) may be recovered-
    (a) firstly, from the property of the society;
    (b) secondly, in the case of a society the liability of the
    members of which is limited, from the members, past members, or estates of
    the decreased members subject to the limit of their liability:
    71
    Provided that the liability of a legal representative of the deceased shall
    be to the extent of the property of the deceased which has come to the hands of
    such legal representative; and
    (c) thirdly, in the case of other societies, from the members
    or past members, or estates of the deceased members:
    Provided that the liability of past members or estate of deceased
    members in all cases shall be subject to the provisions of Sec.29.
    81-A. Power of financing bank to proceed against defaulting members of
    co-operative society.-(1) If a co-operative society is unable to pay its debts to a
    financing bank from which it has borrowed, by reasons of its members
    committing default in the payment of money due by them, the financing bank
    may direct the committee of such society to proceed against such members by
    taking action under section 64.
    (2) If the committee of the Co-operative society fails to proceed
    against its defaulting members within a period of ninety days from the date of
    receipt of such direction from the financing bank, the financing bank itself may
    proceed against such defaulting members in which event, the provisions of this
    Act, the rules and byelaws made there under shall apply as if all references to
    the society or its committee in the said provisions, rules and byelaws were
    references to the financing bank.
    (3) Where a financing bank has obtained a decree or award against a
    society indebted to it, the bank may proceed to recover such moneys from the
    assets of the society to the extent of debts due from the society.
  37. Bar of jurisdiction of Courts.-(1) Save as provided in this Act, no civil
    or revenue court shall have any jurisdiction in respect of-
    (a) the registration of a society or of bye-laws or of an amendment
    of a bye-law;
    (b) the removal of a committee and the management of the society
    after such removal;
    (c) any dispute, required to be referred to the Registrar or his
    nominee or board of nominees;
    (d) any matter concerning the winding up and the dissolution of a
    society.
    (2) While a society is being wound up, no suit or other legal
    proceedings relating to the business of such society shall be proceeded with, or
    instituted against, the liquidator as such or against the society or any member
    thereof, except by leave of the Registrar and subject to such terms as he may
    impose.
    (3) Save as provided in this Act, no order, decision or award made
    under this Act shall be questioned in any court on any ground whatsoever.
  38. Recovery of costs.-Any sum awarded by way of costs under Sec.62,
    may be recovered, on an application by the Registrar to a Magistrate having
    jurisdiction in the place where person from whom the money is claimable
    resides, or carries on business, by sale of any property within the limits of the
    jurisdiction of such Magistrate, belonging to such, person, and such Magistrate
    shall proceed to recover the same, in the same manner as if it were a fine
    imposed by himself.
  39. Enforcement of charge.- Notwithstanding anything contained in
    Chapter VII or any other law for the time being in force, but without prejudice
    to any other mode of a recovery provided in this Act, the Registrar or any
    72
    person empowered by the Registrar in this behalf, may on an application of the
    society and subject to such rules as State Government may make in this behalf,
    make an order directing the payment of any debt or outstanding demand due to
    the society by any member or past or deceased member by attachment and sale
    or transfer by any other mode for such period and subject to such terms and
    conditions as the Registrar or such other person may specify, of the property or
    any interest therein which is subject to a charge under (sub-section(1) of
    section 40, sub-section (1) of section 41), and sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) of
    section 42:
    Provided that no order shall be made under this section unless the
    member, past member or nominee, heir or legal representative of the deceased
    member has been served with a notice of the application and has failed to pay
    the debt or outstanding demand within thirty days from the date of such
    service.
    84-A. Recovery of sums due to certain societies. (1) Notwithstanding
    anything contained in sections 64, 69 and 78 on an application made by a cooperative society for recovery of arrears of its dues, the Registrar may, after
    making such enquiry as he deems fit, grant a certificate for the recovery of the
    amount stated therein to be due as an arrear.
    (2) The certificate granted by the Registrar shall be final and
    conclusive proof of the arrears stated therein, and the same shall be recoverable
    as arrears of land revenue.
  40. Execution of orders, etc.- Every order or award passed or decision
    given by the Registrar under any provision of this Act, every order passed by
    the Appellate or Revisional Authorities and every order made, decision given
    by the Liquidator, if not carried out-
    (a) on a certificate signed by the Registrar or any person authorized
    by him in this behalf be deemed to be decree of a Civil Court and shall be
    executed in the same manner as a decree of such Court; or
    (b) be executed according to the law and under the rules for the time
    being in force for the recovery of arrears of land revenue; or
    (c) be executed by the Registrar or any other person empowered by
    the Registrar in this behalf, by the attachment and transfer in the manner as
    may be prescribed or sale or sale without attachment of any property of the
    person or a society against whom the order, decision or award has been
    obtained or passed:
    Provided that any application for the recovery under clause (b) shall be
    made-
    (i) to the Collector and shall be accompanied by a certificate signed
    by the Registrar or by any person authorized in this behalf; and
    (ii) within five years from the date fixed in the order, decision or
    award and if no such date is fixed, from the date of order, decision or award, as
    the case may be.
    85-A. Manner of executing order to deliver possession of immovable
    property.- Where against any person an order to deliver possession of
    immovable property has been passed under this Act, such order shall be
    executed in the following manner, namely:-
    (a) by serving a notice on the person or persons in possession
    requiring him/them within such time as may appear reasonable after the receipt
    of the said notice, to vacate the same; and
    73
    (b) if such notice is not obeyed, by removing or deputing a
    subordinate to remove any person who may refuse to vacate the same; and
    (c) if the officer removing any such person is resisted or obstructed
    by any person, appoint any of the officers specified in section 3, who shall hold
    a summary inquiry into the facts of the case, and if satisfied that the resistance
    or obstruction was without any just cause, and that such resistance or
    obstruction still continues may, without prejudice to any proceeding to which
    such person may be liable under any law for the time being in force for the
    punishment of such resistance or obstruction, take or cause, to be taken such
    steps and use or cause to be used, such force as may, in the opinion of such
    officer, be reasonably necessary for securing compliance with the order.
  41. Service of notice.-(1) Every notice or order issued or made under this
    Act, the rules or bye-laws may be served on any person by properly addressing
    it to the last known place of residence or business of such person by registered
    post with acknowledgment due letter containing the notice or order:
    Provided that a notice relating to a meeting called by a co-operative
    society shall be issued under certificate of posting and/or be issued by hand
    delivery after obtaining acknowledgment of the receipt thereof.
    (2) An acknowledgment purporting to be signed by such person or an
    endorsement by a postal employee that the person refused to take delivery may
    be deemed to be prima facie proof of service:
    Provided that if service of the notice cannot be effected by any manner
    provided under this Act, or rules made thereunder, or bye-laws of the society, a
    copy thereof shall be affixed at the last known place of residence of the person
    noticed or at some place of public resort in such place.
  42. Registrar and other officers etc. to be public servants. – Every
    officer or person as well as employee of a Co-operative Bank or a co-operative
    society or an authority exercising or authorized to exercise the powers under
    this Act or the Rules or bye-laws made thereunder shall be deemed to be a
    public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860
    (XLV of 1860)
  43. Indemnity for acts done in good faith.- No suit, prosecution or other
    legal proceedings shall lie against the Registrar or any person subordinate to
    him or acting under his authority, in respect of anything done or purporting to
    have been done by him in good faith under this Act.
  44. Powers of civil courts.-(1) In exercising the powers conferred on him
    by or under this Act, the Registrar, his nominee or board of nominees, or any
    other person deciding a dispute and the liquidator of a society shall have all the
    powers of a civil court while trying a suit, under the Code of Civil Procedure,
    1908 (V of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:-
    (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and
    examining him on oath;
    (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
    (c) proof of facts by affidavits; and
    (d) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses.
    (2) In the case of any affidavit, any officer appointed by the Registrar, his
    nominee or board of nominees or the liquidator, as the case may be, may
    administer oath to the deponent.
  45. Registrar or person empowered by him to be a civil court for
    certain purposes.-The Registrar or any person empowered by him in this
    74
    behalf shall be deemed, when exercising any powers under this Act for the
    recovery of any amount by the attachment and sale or by sale without
    attachment of any property, or when passing any orders on any application
    made to him for such recovery or for taking a step in aid of such recovery, to be
    a civil court for the purposes of Article 182 of the First Schedule to the Indian
    Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 1908).
  46. xxx
  47. Companies Act not to apply.-The provisions of the Companies Act,
    1956 (I of 1956) shall not apply to societies registered under this Act.
  48. Certain other Acts not to apply to Co-operative Societies.-Nothing
    contained in the Madhya Pradesh Shops and Establishments Act, 1958 (25 of
    1958), the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Workmen (Standing Orders) Act, 1959
    (19 of 1959) and the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Relations Act, 1960 (27 of
    1960) shall apply to a society registered under this Act.
  49. Notice necessary in suits.- No suit shall be instituted against a society
    or any of its officers in respect of any act touching the constitution,
    management or business of the society until the expiration of two months-next
    after notice in writing has been delivered to the Registrar or left at his office,
    stating the cause of action, the name, description and place of residence of the
    plaintiff and the relief which he claims, and the plaint shall contain a statement
    that such notice has been so delivered or left.
  50. Power to make rules. – (1) The Government may, for the whole or any
    part of the State and for any society or class of societies, make rules for the
    conduct and regulation of the business of such society or class of societies and
    for carrying out all or any of the purposes of this Act.
    (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing
    power, such rules may-
    (a) subject to the provisions of Section 3 prescribe the delegation of
    powers vested in the Registrar to persons appointed to assist the Registrar and
    prescribe the manner of forwarding the copies of the proposed amendment of
    the byelaws to the Registrar.
    (b) prescribe the forms to be used and the conditions to the
    complied with in the making of applications for the registration of a society and
    the procedure in the matter of such applications;
    (c) prescribe the matters in respect of which a society may make or
    the Registrar may direct a society to make, bye-laws and the procedure to be
    followed in making, altering and abrogating bye-laws and the conditions to be
    satisfied prior to such making, alteration or abrogation;
    (c-1) prescribe the period for the training of a member of a society
    and the manner of calling upon a member of a society to attend the course of
    training;
    (c-2) prescribe the manner of regulating the voting right of individual
    member of a federal society;
    (d) prescribe the procedure to be followed and conditions to be
    observed for change of name or liability, reorganization or reconstruction of
    society;
    (e) prescribe the conditions to be complied with by a person
    applying for admission or admitted as a member and provide for the election
    and admission of members and the payment to be made and the interest to be
    acquired before the exercise of the right of membership;
    75
    (f) subject to the provisions of section 24, prescribe the maximum
    number of shares or portion of the capital of a society which may be held by a
    member;
    (g) provide for the withdrawal or removal of members and for the
    payments to them;
    (h) provide for the nomination of person to whom the share or the
    interest of a deceased member may be paid or transferred;
    (i) provide for ascertaining the value of a share or interest of a past
    member or deceased member;
    (j) prescribe the payments to be made and the conditions to be
    complied with by members applying for loans, the period for which loans may
    be made, and the amount which may be lent to an individual member;
    (j-1) prescribe the proportions for reservation of seats for members
    belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and economically weaker
    sections on the committee of a resource society and provide for holding of an
    office of President/Chairman or Vice President/Vice-Chairman of resource
    society, by a member belonging to the aforesaid castes, tribes or section;
    (k) provide for the inspection of documents in the office of the
    Registrar or of any other officer or authority and the levy of fees for granting
    certified copies of the same;
    (l) provide for the formation and maintenance of a register of
    members and where the liability of the members is limited by shares, of a
    register of shares and a list of members;
    (m) provide for securing that the share capital of any society shall be
    variable in such a way as may be necessary to secure that the share shall not
    appreciate in value and the necessary capital shall be available for the society
    as required;
    (n) prescribe the terms and conditions on which Government may
    make share capital contribution or give assistance, financial or other, to
    societies and the terms and conditions on which Government may guarantee the
    payment of the principal of and interest on debentures issued by societies or
    loans raised by them;
    (o) regulate the manner in which funds may be raised by a society
    or a class of societies by means of shares or debentures or otherwise and the
    quantum of funds so raised;
    (p) prescribe the manner of giving intimation to the Tahsildar about
    the details of the debt or outstanding demand owing to the society from a
    member, past member or deceased member;
    (q) prescribe the procedure by which a society shall calculate and
    write off bad debts;
    (r) provide for the formation and maintenance of reserve funds, and
    the objects to which such funds may be applied and for the investment and use
    of any fund including reserve fund under the control of a society;
    (s) prescribe the rate at which a society shall contribute towards the
    Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Union;
    (t) prescribe the mode of investment of funds of a society under
    section 44 and the proportion of investment in any security or class of
    securities;
    76
    (u) provide for the payment of contribution to any provident fund
    which may be established by a society for the benefit of officers and servants
    employed by them and for the administration of such provident fund;
    (v) provide for general meetings of the members and the procedure
    at such meetings and the powers to be exercised by such meetings;
    (w) provide for the appointment, suspension and removal of the
    members of the committee and other officers and for the appointment of a
    person or persons under section 53 and prescribe procedure at meetings of the
    committee and for the powers to be exercised and the duties to be performed by
    the committee, person or persons and other officers;
    (x) prescribe qualifications and disqualifications for members of the
    Board of Directors, representatives and employees or a society of class of
    societies and the conditions of service subject to which persons may be
    employed by societies;
    (y) prescribe the returns to be submitted by society to the Registrar
    and provide for the person by whom and the form in which such returns shall
    be submitted;
    (z) provide for the person by whom and the form in which copies of
    documents and entries in books of societies may be certified and the charges to
    be levied for the supply of copies thereof;
    (aa) prescribe the accounts and books to be kept by a society and
    provide for the audit of such accounts and the charges, if any, to be made for
    such audit, and for the periodical publication of a balance sheet showing the
    assets and liabilities of a society;
    (bb) provide for appointment of Registrar’s nominee or board of
    nominees, procedure to be followed in proceedings before the Registrar or his
    nominee or board of nominees, and for fixing and levying the expenses for
    determining the dispute and for enforcing the decisions or executing awards in
    such proceedings;
    (cc) provide for the issue and service of processes;
    (dd) prescribe the procedure for and the method of recovery of any
    sums due under this Act or the rules;
    (ee) prescribe the procedure to be followed for the custody of
    property attached under section 68;
    (ff) prescribe the procedure and conditions for the exercise of the
    powers conferred under Section 71 and the procedure to be followed by a
    liquidator and provide for the disposal of surplus assets;
    Clause (gg) – as applicable to M.P. only
    (gg) prescribe the procedure to be followed in presenting and
    disposal of appeals other than the appeals lying to the Tribunal;
    Clause (gg) – as applicable to Chhattisgarh only
    (gg) prescribe the procedure to be followed in presenting and
    disposal of appeals, revision and review.
    (hh) XXX
    (ii) prescribe the method of communicating or publishing any order,
    decision or award required to be communicated or published under this Act or
    the rules; and
    (jj) provide for all matters required or allowed by this Act to be
    prescribed by rules.
    77
    (3) All rules made under this Act shall be laid on the table of Legislative
    Assembly.
  51. Repeal and savings. – (1) The Co-operative Societies Act, 1912
    (II of 1912), in its application to Mahakoshal region, the Madhya Bharat Cooperative Societies Act, 1955 (9 of 1955), the Vindhya Pradesh Co-operative
    Societies Ordinance, 1949 (XXI of 1949), the Bhopal State Co-operative
    Societies Act, 1937 (XI of 1937) and the Rajasthan Co-operative Societies Act,
    1953 (IV of 1953) in its application to the Sironj region are hereby repealed.
    (2) Notwithstanding such repeal-
    (i) any society registered or deemed to have been registered
    under the enactments specified in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be
    registered under this Act and its bye-laws shall, so far as the same are not
    inconsistent with the provisions of this Act be deemed to be registered under
    this Act and continue in force until altered or rescinded;
    (ii) all appointments, rules and orders made, notifications
    and notices issued and suits and other proceedings instituted under any of the
    said enactments shall so far as may be, be deemed to have been respectively
    made, issued and instituted under this Act.