1.Purpose of the Act:

• The primary objective of the Societies Registration Act is to enable the formation of societies for the promotion of educational, charitable, and cultural activities. The Act facilitates the registration of organizations that are formed for social welfare or community betterment.

2.Definition of a Society:

• A society, as per the Act, is a group of individuals united together for promoting a common goal, such as the advancement of knowledge, science, literature, fine arts, or social services.

3.Eligibility Criteria for Forming a Society:

• A society can be formed by a minimum of seven members (at least 7 people from any state or region in India).
• The members must come together for a lawful purpose that is not for profit, such as charitable, scientific, educational, or religious purposes.

4. Documents Required for Registration:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): This document states the objectives for which the society is being formed.
• Rules and Regulations: These outline the governance of the society, including the roles and responsibilities of office-bearers, the procedure for membership, and the conduct of meetings.
• The name of the society, which must be unique and not resemble the name of any existing society.
• A list of members and their signatures, showing their consent to form the society.
• Address proof of the society’s registered office.

5.Application for Registration:

• To register a society under the Act, the society must file an application with the Registrar of Societies in the relevant state.
• The application includes the MOA, Rules & Regulations, and the necessary documents such as identity proof of members, address proof, and other relevant documentation.
• The Registrar of Societies examines the documents to ensure compliance with the Act.

6.Registrar’s Role:

• The Registrar of Societies is a government official responsible for the registration process. The Registrar checks whether the documents submitted comply with the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• The Registrar may refuse registration if the society’s objectives are against the law or public policy.

7. Certificate of Registration:

• Once the society is approved, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration. The society is now a legal entity, and its members are officially recognized as part of a legally incorporated society.

8.Governing Body:

• very society formed under this Act must have a governing body that is responsible for its day-to-day management and operations. This body typically includes:
• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Other members as required for the smooth running of the society.

9.Legal Status and Liabilities:

• Once registered, the society has a distinct legal personality separate from its members.
• The society can acquire property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
• The members of the society are not personally liable for the society’s debts or obligations, except in cases of fraud or misconduct.

10.Amendments and Changes:

• The society can amend its Rules & Regulations or change its name by passing a resolution and submitting the necessary documentation to the Registrar.
• These changes must be done in accordance with the provisions laid out in the MOA and the Act.

Dissolution of Society:

• A society can be dissolved voluntarily by its members through a resolution. In such cases, the assets of the society, after settlement of debts, must be transferred to another society or institution with similar objectives, as specified in the Rules & Regulations.

Non-profit Requirement:

• Societies registered under the Act must ensure that any income or profit earned is applied to further the objectives of the society. This means no member can receive dividends or any share of the society’s profits.