Societies Registration explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
The Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012 (Haryana Act 1 of 2012) is the State's own law on societies. Section 92 repeals the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in its application to Haryana, so a Haryana society is read against this Act and not the central text.
The copy consulted was published on 28 March 2012 after the Governor's assent on 26 March 2012. It shows no amendment, so it is treated as the Act as enacted; nothing later is covered. Section 1(3) brings the Act into force by notification, and the date is not in the copy. Later amendments, the State rules and the current fee schedule should be checked. Tax registrations after formation are a separate stage; see our page on 12A, 80G and CSR registration.
Seven or more persons form a society by subscribing a Memorandum and filing it with the District Registrar (s.6). A society with more than 300 members needs a Collegium (s.30). Accounts are audited by a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (s.48), and returns are filed within thirty days of holding the annual general meeting (s.50). The Act prints no fee; s.82 leaves fees to the Government.
Where each topic sits
| Topic | Sections |
|---|---|
| Aims and objects | 6 |
| Name, registration, registered office | 7 to 13 |
| Members | 14 to 23 |
| Memorandum, Bye-laws, amendment | 24 to 28 |
| General Body, Collegium, Governing Body, elections | 29 to 40 |
| Property and funds | 41 to 46 |
| Accounts, audit, annual returns | 47 to 50 |
| Amalgamation or division | 51 |
| Registrar's powers, supersession | 52 to 56 |
| Cancellation and dissolution | 57 to 65 |
| Penalties | 72 to 75 |
| Fees | 82 |
| Repeal of the 1860 Act | 92 |
Objects, name and registration (ss.6 to 13)
Section 6 lets any seven or more persons subscribe a Memorandum and file it with the District Registrar. The listed aims include charity; arts, education, science, literature, philosophy, religion, industries and skill development; sports (excluding games of chance); folk arts; handicrafts; useful knowledge; political education; libraries and museums; conservation of natural resources; flat-owner and resident welfare associations under the Haryana Apartment Ownership Act, 1983 (Act 10 of 1983); and Government sponsored schemes. No society is registered unless it prohibits payment of dividend or distribution of assets, income or profits to members, with an exception for housing and flat-owner bodies formed by members' contributions. Compare sections 1-3 of the 1860 Act.
Under s.7, a name cannot contravene the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (Central Act 12 of 1950), and words such as Co-operative, Reserve Bank, Union, State, National, Municipal or Chartered need the Government's previous written approval. A name approval comes first (s.8), then an application to the District Registrar with the Memorandum and Bye-laws, signed by at least seven major members before two major witnesses. After scrutiny, the District Registrar enters the society in a register and issues a certificate, giving reasons if he refuses (s.9). Existing societies must apply for a new registration number within one year or the period notified (s.9(4)). The certificate is conclusive evidence of registration unless proved otherwise (s.10). A society has a registered office in its district, notifying changes within thirty days (s.11), and changes its name by special resolution with a fresh certificate (s.12).
Members (ss.14 to 23)
A society has at least seven members at registration. A member must be 21 years old, subscribe to the aims, have deposited the fee, and not be an insolvent, of unsound mind, or convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude punishable with one year or more (s.16). A register of members is kept at the registered office, updated within fifteen days, with an updated list filed each year within sixty days of the close of the financial year (s.18). Disputes about admission or removal go to the District Registrar (s.21). A partnership firm or body corporate cannot be a member (s.23).
Memorandum, Bye-laws and amendment (ss.24 to 28)
The Memorandum states the name, aims, the first Governing Body's names, addresses and occupations, and the registered office (s.24). Section 25 lists what the Bye-laws must cover. A special resolution amends the Memorandum (name or aims) or the Bye-laws; it is filed with the District Registrar within thirty days and has no effect until registered. If he refuses, he must give reasons within sixty days, or the resolution is deemed registered (s.26). See our guide on amending the memorandum and rules.
General Body, Collegium and Governing Body (ss.29 to 40)
The General Body quorum is not less than forty percent of members entitled to vote, with a minimum of four (s.29). Over 300 members means a Collegium of 21 to 300 members for up to three years, which elects the Governing Body (s.30). At least one meeting is held in each financial year to adopt audited accounts, on clear notice of fourteen days endorsed to the District Registrar, who may send an observer (s.31). The Governing Body has three to 21 members, including a President, Secretary and Treasurer, for up to three years; the list of office-bearers is filed within thirty days of the election, and the constitution is valid only on the District Registrar's approval (s.33). It meets at least four times a year (s.36). Elections and election disputes are in ss.39 and 40.
Property, accounts and annual returns (ss.41 to 50)
A society may acquire property on ownership or lease basis (s.41), and property not vested in trustees vests in the society (s.42). Books of account are kept as required by income-tax laws or ICAI standards (s.47). Annual accounts are audited by an ICAI member who is not a Governing Body member or a family member of an office-bearer (s.48). See our guide to filing accounts with the Registrar.
Section 50 requires, within thirty days of the annual general meeting: the list of members certified by the President and Secretary as on 31 March; the Collegium list where applicable; the list of office-bearers with names, addresses and occupations; the annual report; the balance-sheet, receipt and expenditure statement and auditor's report; and any special resolution. Non-filing is punishable with fine in the extended period and thereafter with penalty as prescribed. Compare sections 4 and 19 of the 1860 Act.
Amalgamation, inquiry and supersession (ss.51 to 56)
Societies amalgamate or divide by special resolutions with the Registrar's approval, and nothing takes effect until the new societies are registered (s.51). The Registrar General, Registrar or District Registrar may call for information (s.52), seize records in listed cases (s.53) and inquire (s.54). Under s.56 the Registrar General may supersede the Governing Body and appoint an Administrator for up to one year at first and three years in total.
Cancellation and dissolution (ss.57 to 65)
A defunct society gets a show cause notice with ninety days to respond, then suspension and possible striking off (s.57). A society with no assets or liabilities may apply for cancellation after a public notice of at least ninety days (s.58). The Registrar may cancel after inquiry for contravention, insolvency, fraud or unlawful activity (s.59). Dissolution by special resolution (s.62) needs Government consent where a Government is interested, a public notice of at least three months, and a confirming order from the District Registrar. Surplus assets are not distributed to members but vest in the Government, which places them with the District Collector to pass to a society with identical aims or use for the same or another public purpose (s.64). Compare sections 13 and 14 of the 1860 Act.
Penalties, fees and repeal (ss.72 to 92)
A society in default is punishable with a fine as prescribed which may extend to two thousand rupees, plus one hundred rupees a day for continuing default (s.72). False entries attract a penalty up to five thousand rupees (s.73), and false information or disobeying a lawful order a fine up to five thousand rupees (s.74). The District Registrar may allow further time on payment of late fees (s.75). No fee is printed: s.82 leaves fees for name approval, registration, inspection and copies to the Government.
Section 92 repeals the 1860 Act in Haryana. A society registered under it is deemed registered under the 2012 Act, and its Memorandum and Bye-laws are brought into conformity within two years of commencement or such further period as the Government allows. For the older process guide see society registration in Haryana; for a different law, trust registration in Haryana.
Need help with a Haryana society?
If you are setting up a society and planning the registrations that follow, or reviewing yearly filings, talk to us about 12A, 80G and CSR registration. For tax matters, see our income-tax guides.
Key takeaways
- The 2012 Act repeals the 1860 Act for Haryana (s.92).
- Registration is with the District Registrar (ss.8, 9).
- Over 300 members means a Collegium (s.30).
- Audit by an ICAI member (s.48); returns within thirty days of the annual general meeting (s.50).
- No fee is printed; later amendments and rules should be checked.
Read next
- Society registration in Haryana: complete process
- Sections 1-3 of the 1860 Act: formation, memorandum and registration
- Sections 4 and 19 of the 1860 Act: annual list and inspection
- Societies Registration in Karnataka: the 1960 Act
Disclaimer: Based on a copy of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 last updated 30 July 2019 and on copies of the Haryana (2012), Karnataka (1960), Rajasthan (1958), Tamil Nadu (1975), Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal (1961) societies laws, each amended only up to the date its copy shows, as consulted on 2 October 2026. Societies law differs from State to State; later amendments, State rules and current fees should be checked. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.