Society Registration

Society registration is the process of legally establishing a society as a separate legal entity for the purpose of carrying out charitable, cultural, educational, religious, or social activities. In India, societies are usually registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Below is an overview of the documentation required for society registration.

Documentation for Society Registration:

Memorandum of Association (MOA): Draft a Memorandum of Association that outlines the objectives, rules, and regulations of the society. The MOA should include details such as the name of the society, its registered office, objectives, and governing structure.

Bye-Laws: Prepare Bye-Laws or Rules and Regulations that provide detailed information about the internal management, functioning, and decision-making processes of the society. The Bye-Laws should cover aspects like membership, meetings, elections, and financial management.

Declaration by Members: Obtain a declaration from at least seven individuals willing to become the first members of the society. The declaration should confirm their intention to form the society and comply with its rules.

List of Members: Provide a list of names, addresses, occupations, and signatures of the founding members of the society.

Affidavit and Undertaking: Members may need to submit an affidavit and undertaking stating that they are not disqualified from registering the society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Registered Office Address Proof: Submit proof of the registered office address of the society, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

Resolution of the Governing Body: A resolution passed by the governing body or managing committee approving the registration of the society and authorizing specific individuals to act on behalf of the society during the registration process.

NOC from the Owner of the Property: If the registered office is not owned by the society, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner of the property is usually required.

Publication of Notice: In some states, it may be a requirement to publish a notice in a local newspaper about the society's intention to register.

Society Registration Process:

Application Submission: Prepare the application for society registration, including the MOA, Bye-Laws, and other required documents. Submit the application to the Registrar of Societies or the relevant authority.

Verification and Approval: The authority will verify the documents and, if everything is in order, approve the registration of the society.

Certificate of Registration: Upon approval, a Certificate of Registration will be issued, confirming the legal existence of the society.

Compliance and Reporting: Societies may have ongoing compliance requirements, including filing annual reports, financial statements, and changes in the governing body with the concerned authorities.

Seek professional advice to understand the specific compliance requirements applicable to societies in the jurisdiction where the society is registered.