Societies Registration Act Kerala
The societies registration act kerala sets the rules for forming and running societies for charitable, educational, cultural, and community-focused activities. Kerala currently follows two different laws depending on the region, but a new unified bill known as the Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025, has been introduced by the Kerala Assembly. This guide explains how societies are registered, the documents needed, and what the residents should know before starting one.
What Is the Societies Registration Act Kerala?
The Societies Registration Act Kerala provides the legal structure for forming societies for community welfare, education, art, culture, charity, and public service. Kerala is unique because it follows two different acts depending on the region.
In the old Malabar area, societies are still governed by India’s central law, the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The societies from Travancore to Cochin are registered under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. This leads to variations in rules, fees, and procedures across districts. To resolve this, the State Assembly has passed the Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025, which aims to create a single, unified law for all regions. Until it is fully implemented, societies must follow the existing acts based on location.
Significance of Society Registration
A registered society has legal recognition, which helps residents work together more smoothly. When a group comes forward for cultural, educational, or service activities, proper registration protects everyone involved. A registered society in Kerala can:
- Open a bank account in the society’s name
- Hold property and manage public funds
- Enter agreements and contracts
- Receive grants and government support
- Maintain transparency
- Resolve conflicts with a proper structure
For residential communities or groups planning activities such as cultural events, libraries, skill programs, or welfare activities, following the Societies Registration Act Kerala ensures credibility and safety for members.
Read also: A Guide to Kerala Apartment Ownership Act 1983
Acts Governing Societies in Kerala Today
Kerala’s current legal structure uses two different laws:
1. Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Old Malabar Region)
This is India’s central act and applies to Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, and parts of Palakkad. Key areas covered include how societies should be formed, registered, managed, and dissolved. Most purposes include literary, scientific, charitable, educational, and cultural activities.
2. Travancore-Cochin Act, 1955 (Travancore & Cochin Regions)
This act governs Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, Alappuzha, and related districts. It focuses on literary, scientific, and charitable societies and includes regional procedures for filings and documentation.
Residents should check their district registrar’s jurisdiction to know which law applies. Both acts require clear rules, governing body details, and annual filings. Modern platforms and government portals like Egroops make the process easier, but the fundamentals remain the same.
Read also: Guide to Kerala Co-operative Societies Act
The New Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025
To bring uniformity across Kerala, the State Assembly has passed the Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025. This new bill will replace both older acts and introduce a single framework for all districts. The upcoming law focuses on transparency, accountability, and digital processes.
Changes proposed in the 2025 Bill:
- One unified act for the entire state
- The registered office must be established within 21 days
- Annual return filing becomes mandatory
- Audited accounts must be submitted every year
- Clear rules for dissolving unauthorised societies
- Validation of all existing societies with proper documents and filings
- Stricter record-keeping and accountability for governing bodies
Once the act gets implemented, societies across Kerala will follow the same rules and formats for registration, operation, and compliance. Residents planning to form a society should stay updated through the Registration Department and official notifications.
Key Requirements for Registration Under the Societies Registration Act Kerala
To register a society in Kerala, a group must meet certain minimum conditions that apply across regions:
Minimum Members
At least seven people are required to form a society for any permitted purpose under the Societies Registration Act Kerala.
Application Submission
The application must be submitted to the District Registrar with jurisdiction over the society’s location. Forms and guidelines are available through the state’s online portal, Egroops.
Accepted Purposes
Societies can be formed for the following purposes:
- Literary activities
- Scientific promotion
- Educational development
- Charitable work
- Cultural programs
- Community service
- Fine arts
- Public libraries and reading rooms
These purposes must be non-profitable and only intended for public or community benefit.
Read also: How to Register Your Society Under the Societies Registration Act 1860
Required Documents for Registration
A complete application under the Societies Registration Act Kerala, should include:
- Covering Letter: States the purpose of the society and it’s signed by all the founding members
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): Includes name, objectives, and governance structure
- Bylaws / Rules: Covers the membership rules, fees, meetings, and dissolution process
- Registered Office Proof: Rental agreement, ownership document, or NOC from the owner
- ID and Address Proofs: For all members
- Declaration: By the President or the Secretary confirming their willingness and eligibility
- Minutes of First Meeting: Recording the decision to form the society
These documents help authorities verify the intent and structure of the society.
Step-by-Step Registration Process in Kerala
Residents can follow these simple steps to register a society in Kerala:
- Assemble a group of at least seven members.
- Hold the first general meeting and record minutes.
- Finalise the name and objectives of the society.
- Prepare the Memorandum of Association and Bylaws.
- Collect ID proofs, address proofs, and the NOC for the office address.
- Prepare the covering letter and relevant documents.
- Submit the application at the District Registrar’s office or through Egroops.
- Pay the applicable fee (typically around ₹50 or as updated).
- Wait for verification, queries, or corrections.
- Receive the registration certificate once approved.
Societies can start their activities formally only after receiving the certificate. It is important to maintain proper records because annual filings are mandatory under both current acts and the upcoming unified law.
Annual Compliance Requirements
Every registered society must follow the annual compliance that includes:
- File the annual list of the managing committee members
- Submit audited accounts of the previous year
- Maintain a register for members
- Keep minutes of meetings
- Report changes in address or office bearers
The Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025 aims to make these filings uniform statewide. Maintaining accurate records helps avoid disputes and ensures smooth functioning.
Stay Organised with NoBrokerHood
Modern societies in Kerala manage activities beyond charitable or cultural work. Many also handle resident communication, events, and everyday coordination. Platforms like NoBrokerHood make this easier by helping communities organise documents, track meetings, and maintain transparency in member records.
NoBrokerHood supports day-to-day coordination, community updates, visitor management, and internal communication. These features help society members stay informed and make compliance-related tasks more manageable, especially when preparing data for filings under the Societies Registration Act Kerala.
All Solutions by NoBrokerHood:
FAQs
A minimum of seven people with a shared purpose are needed. They must prepare the MoA, bylaws and provide ID proofs before applying through the Registrar.
The bill has been passed, but is still in the process of becoming fully operational. Until then, societies follow either the 1860 Act or the 1955 Act, depending on the region.
Yes. Residents can form a cultural, welfare, or social service society if their objective fits the eligible categories under the Societies Registration Act Kerala.
Applications can be submitted at the local District Registrar’s office or through the state’s online portal, Egroops.
Yes. Societies must file annual committee lists and audited statements. The 2025 Bill will make this more uniform across Kerala.
You must provide address proof and an NOC if the space is rented or owned by someone else.