Society Registration in Kerala: Procedure & Legislative Requirements

The article speaks about the procedure and legislative requirements for society registration in Kerala. A society is an association of individuals who serve a common purpose and act cooperatively. Societies are generally registered with charitable activities, such as sports, music, culture, religion, art and education. In India, the Society Registration Act lays the procedures for registration of society. The purpose of the Act was to expand the legal stipulations of society registration, to advance literature, science, fine arts, science, and awareness of needful rights of the country. Various states have accepted Society Registration Act, 1860 with amendments.

Objectives of Society Registration

The Objectives of the Society Registration, 1860 has been mentioned in Section 20 of the Act. The objectives are as follows:

1. To promote Fine Arts
2. The develop political influence
3. To provide charitable aid
4. To promote science and literature
5. To create military orphan funds
6. Lay Foundation of galleries
7. To promote natural history
8. To promote mechanical or philosophical inventions, designs or instruments.

Kerala Society Registration- Procedure

Societies are registered in Kerala under the Societies Registration Act, 1860^[1] or Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. In Travancore region Societies are registered under Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. In Malabar Region, societies are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. All societies registered in Kerala have the same procedure for registration.

Eligibility for Registration

To incorporate a society under Kerala Society Registration the following are eligible:

1. Individuals
2. Foreigners
3. Partnership firm
4. Limited Company
5. Registered Society

Documents required for Kerala Society Registration

The following documents are required to register under Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955 or under the Society Registration Act, 1860:

1. Letter to Registrar– A letter addressed to the registrar mentioning his intent to form the Society.
2. Name Clause– The name of the Society shall not be identical to any other society.
3. Declaration– A statement of declaration that the proposed name does not resemble the other existing societies.
4. Memorandum of Association- This would state the main objects of the society.
5. Bye-Laws- A copy of bye-laws incorporating the rules and regulations. It should be signed by at least three members of the body.
6. Application Form No-1 – It is duly filled and signed. A challan receipt of Rs. 50/- should be signed and appended with the application for registration.
7. Challan Receipt- A Challan receipt stating the amount of capital has to be provided.
8. A Plan- Plan related to the society.
9. List of Promoters– The promoters who have invested in the share capital showing the amount of contribution in fees and shares subscribed.

Memorandum of Association of the Kerala Society Registration

The memorandum of association of the Society includes:

1. Name of the Society
2. Address of the premises
3. Objectives of the Society
4. Details- Member’s address, profession,
5. Bye-laws- The rules that govern the society.
6. Annual General Meeting- AGM shall be conducted by the society in a year and what shall be a respective quorum to pass the amendments or rules.
7. Method of Dissolution of the Society

Procedure to do Kerala Society Registration

The procedure for the Kerala Society Registration is as follows:

1. Application at Kerala Government Portal – The application has to be made at the www.egroops.Kerala.gov.in
2. New Society – Apply under the category of new society registration.
3. Details The details along with photo and Id proof to be uploaded on the website.
4. Create Login Credentials – Create login Id username and password.
5. Registration Form – Fill the requisite application form for registration.
6. Society Details – Enter the name of the Society.
7. Member Details – Complete the details about the members, their address, names, and respective designation in the Society. The necessary and supporting documents to be uploaded.
8. Payment details – Complete the payment details. Mention the details of bank or draft whether paid online or offline.
9. Unique id – the details of unique Id shall be sent to the confirmed email Id After this process the registration certificate would be awarded.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that Kerala Society Registration is covered under two acts, one with the Society Registration Act, 1860 and other Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. The procedure for registration is the same. At the state level, the requirements are- a proper name of the organisation, a charitable purpose, and seven members. Whereas, at the centre, the only additional requirement is nine members to form the Society.

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