Thane Deputy Registrar disqualifies seven committee members for three years over refused records

The Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Thane, has disqualified seven managing committee members of Anil Co-operative Housing Society in Naupada from holding committee office for three years, according to a report dated October 14, 2026. The order relies on Section 154B-23 of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, which deals with disqualification of committee members.

What the Registrar found

An associate member had asked for copies of a special general body resolution of March 8, 2014, related circulars, and a circular resolution dated August 27, 2024. The society collected Rs 110 as copying charges but then refused to supply the documents, saying an associate member could not claim copies under Section 32 without the original member's permission. The report says the Registrar held the refusal was collective on the part of the committee.

A separate complaint alleged that audit reports were not considered at general meetings. The Registrar found that Form 'O' audit rectification reports were not placed before the AGMs for 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24, which breaches Section 75(5) of the Act. The society argued the complaint stemmed from personal differences and that any lapse was procedural; the Registrar rejected the view that this was a mere formality, treating placement of audit findings before the general body as a statutory obligation.

The seven members have been barred from re-election, reappointment or nomination to the committee for three years, and their positions stand vacated. An authorised officer has been appointed to run day-to-day administration and start elections for a new committee. The report does not give the date of the order, and does not say whether it has been appealed or stayed.

What this means for housing societies

• Requests for copies of society records should be handled strictly under the Act, the Rules and the bye-laws. Refusing without a clear legal basis can be treated as a ground for disqualification.
• Audit rectification reports (Form 'O') must be placed before the annual general meeting every year and recorded in the minutes.
• Do not rely on informal views about which class of member may see which documents; check the bye-laws and, if in doubt, obtain written advice before refusing.
• Disqualification removes members from office and bars them from standing again for the stated period, and the society can then be run by an authorised officer.

Committees should confirm now that audit rectification reports for every completed year have been tabled at an AGM, and that a written procedure exists for responding to record-inspection and copy requests. The report does not state whether any appeal is pending.