📘 Law Relating to Societies Registration
✒️ Author: S. Parameswaran
📆 Edition: 3rd (2017)
🌐 Language: English
🏢 Publisher: Lexis Nexis
Law Relating to Societies Registration by S. Parameswaran is a well-established and authoritative text offering an exhaustive and practical commentary on the Societies Registration Act, 1860, along with relevant State amendments and judicial interpretations. Now in its 3rd Edition (2017), this work provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the law governing formation, administration, and regulation of societies, making it an indispensable guide for lawyers, administrators, academicians, and society members.
The book begins with an in-depth discussion on the object and scope of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, tracing its legislative evolution and purpose—to promote the registration of literary, scientific, charitable, and cultural associations. It explains in simple language how societies can be legally constituted, governed, and dissolved, while also detailing their rights, duties, and liabilities under Indian law.
A key strength of this edition is its section-wise commentary supported by illustrative case law from the Supreme Court and High Courts. Each provision of the Act is meticulously analyzed to highlight practical issues such as registration procedures, amendment of memoranda, management of societies, elections of office bearers, disputes over membership, and government supervision. It also delves into the role and powers of the Registrar of Societies and the remedies available against arbitrary or unlawful actions by society officials.
Special chapters deal with State-specific amendments, making this work relevant across India. The book further includes discussions on allied legislation such as Public Trusts Acts, Companies Act (for Section 8 companies), and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), ensuring a holistic view of how societies operate within India’s legal ecosystem.
The 3rd Edition (2017) is thoroughly updated with the latest amendments, judicial pronouncements, and administrative developments affecting registered societies. It incorporates leading judgments explaining issues like:
Validity of elections and removal of office bearers,
Rights of members and minority protection,
Government control and cancellation of registration,
Mismanagement, misuse of funds, and judicial intervention,
Application of principles of natural justice and fair procedure.
Each topic is presented with clarity, simplicity, and practical examples, making the text not just theoretical but immensely useful for real-world application.
This book also provides model forms, drafts of memoranda, and sample bye-laws, assisting practitioners and organizations in preparing accurate documentation for registration, alteration, and compliance purposes.
S. Parameswaran, a highly respected authority on trust and society law, combines doctrinal precision with practical insight, ensuring that the book serves both as a legal commentary and a practical manual.
Published by Lexis Nexis, this 3rd Edition (2017) continues to be the most reliable and comprehensive guide on the law relating to societies registration in India, offering clarity, accessibility, and authority in one volume. It remains a must-have reference for lawyers, NGOs, trustees, administrators, and judicial officers involved in the management or legal supervision of registered societies.
