Societies Registration Act Maharashtra
The Societies Registration Act Maharashtra governs how charitable, literary, scientific, and similar non-profit societies are formed and managed in the state. It defines who can form a society, how registration works, annual compliance needs, and how societies can be dissolved responsibly.
Why the Societies Registration Act Matters in Maharashtra?
Many resident groups, charitable bodies, and community associations start informally. Over time, this creates confusion around funds, decisions, and accountability. The Societies Registration Act Maharashtra gives these groups a legal identity, making operations transparent and structured.
For residents and committee members, understanding this law helps prevent disputes, ensures fair governance, and builds long-term trust within the community.
Two Key Laws Governing Societies in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, not all societies fall under the same legal framework. The applicable law depends on the purpose of the organisation.
The two primary acts are:
- Societies Registration Act, 1860 (with Maharashtra-specific rules)
- Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960
Knowing which law applies helps societies follow the correct registration process and compliance structure.
Societies Registration Act, 1860
The Societies Registration Act Maharashtra applies to non-profit societies formed for:
- Charitable purposes
- Literary and educational activities
- Scientific or cultural initiatives
A minimum of seven members is required to form a society under this act. These members jointly prepare a Memorandum of Association that defines the objectives and internal rules.
In Maharashtra, societies with charitable objectives are also required to register under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, making oversight stricter and more transparent.
Read also: Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act
Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960
Housing societies and credit cooperatives do not fall under the Societies Registration Act of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, governs them.
This law focuses on:
- Mutual economic benefit of members
- Democratic decision-making
- Structured elections and financial discipline
Recent 2025 updates legally recognise online meetings and introduce standardised service charges, making society management more uniform.
Read also: Maharashtra Ownership Of Flats Act, 1963
Registration Process Under the Societies Registration Act in Maharashtra
The registration process under the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra is straightforward when documents are prepared correctly.
Step-by-step process:
- Form a group of at least seven members
- Draft the Memorandum of Association clearly stating the objectives
- Prepare rules and regulations for internal management
- Apply online through the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner portal
- Pay the prescribed registration fee
- Receive the registration certificate after verification
Once registered, the society gains legal status and can open bank accounts or enter into contracts.
Documents, Fees, and Membership Rules
Understanding documentation avoids delays and rejection.
Key requirements include:
- Memorandum of Association signed by all members
- Rules and Regulations document
- Consent letters from members
- Address proof of registered office
- Identity proofs of managing members
Fees:
A standard registration fee of ₹50 is payable in cash, as notified by the state government.
Ongoing Compliance and Legal Responsibilities
Registration is only the beginning. Under the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra, societies must follow annual compliance norms.
Key obligations include:
- Filing the annual list of managing committee members every January
- Maintaining updated records of meetings and resolutions
- Keeping financial records transparent and accessible
Non-compliance can invite notices or administrative action, especially for societies handling public funds.
Dissolution Rules and Asset Handling
Dissolving a society requires careful legal compliance.
Under the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra:
- At least three-fifths of members must approve dissolution
- Assets cannot be distributed among members
- Surplus property must be transferred to another society with similar objectives
This ensures charitable intent is preserved even after closure.
Key Differences Between the Two Acts
This distinction helps residents identify the correct compliance path.
| Feature | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 |
| Primary Purpose | Charitable, literary, scientific | Mutual economic benefit |
| Minimum Members | 7 | 10 from different families |
| Regulator | Registrar / Charity Commission | Registrar of Co-operative Societies |
| Online Filing | Charity Commissioner portal | MahaSahakar |
| Committee Term | As per the rules | 5 years |
| Digital Meetings | Limited | Legally recognised |
How Digital Governance Is Changing Societies
While the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra, remains rooted in the 1860 framework, the governance practices are becoming digital. Maharashtra is gradually shifting toward digital governance to reduce disputes and paperwork.
Online filings, digital record-keeping, and virtual meetings make societies:
- More transparent
- Easier to audit
- Better aligned with legal requirements
Platforms that centralise communication and documentation help committees stay compliant without manual follow-ups.
How NoBrokerHood Supports Better Society Management
NoBrokerHood is widely used by residential communities across India to manage daily operations in an organised way. While legal registration happens outside the platform, NoBrokerHood helps societies maintain records, communicate with members, and manage compliance-related data efficiently.
For registered societies and housing communities, such digital tools support transparency, reduce manual errors, and help management committees follow structured processes over time. It is also easier for societies to follow compliance expectations under both the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra and cooperative society regulations.
All Solutions by NoBrokerHood:
FAQs
It is used to legally register charitable, literary, scientific, and similar non-profit societies in Maharashtra, giving them legal identity and defined governance rules.
No. Housing societies in Maharashtra are governed by the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, not the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra.
A minimum of seven members is required to form and register a society under the Societies Registration Act Maharashtra.
Yes. Applications can be submitted through the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner’s online portal along with the required documents.
Failure to file annual managing body details can lead to notices, administrative action, or loss of credibility with authorities.