Mandatory Requirements of Ten Distinct Persons for Co-operative Society Registration Under Maharashtra Law

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
SHANTINIKETAN INDUSTRIAL PREMISES CO OP. SOC. LTD THRU MEMBER v. THE LD. DIVISIONAL JOINT REGISTRAR CO OP. SOC. MUMBAI AND ORS (Bombay High Court, 18-09-2026)
Law
Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, Constitution of India.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Detailed interpretation of Section 6(1) of the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act regarding the mandatory requirement of ten distinct persons from different families.
  • Differentiation between statutory conditions for initial society registration under Section 6 versus membership qualifications under Section 22.
  • Jurisdictional distinction between de-registration under Section 21A requiring fraud and challenging registration via appeal under Section 152 for procedural lapses.
  • Examination of locus standi for assignees to challenge illegal society formations despite subsequent disposal of property units.
  • Legal consequences of maintaining legal proceedings in the name of a non-existent entity following the cancellation of registration.