Launching a registered society marks a united effort towards advancing public welfare and social progress. But before your group can drive lasting impact, it must secure legal recognition under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
A society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, is a voluntary association of individuals united for literary, scientific, charitable, educational, or fine-arts purposes. Registration grants your society a distinct legal identity, enabling it to own property, enter into contracts, and receive grants or donations.
The primary goal of establishing a registered society is to foster non-profit objectives, encompassing areas such as:
- Literature and publishing
- Diffusion of useful knowledge
- Similar fields and agendas
- Scientific research
- Diffusion of political education
- Fine arts and culture
- Charitable purpose
The Societies Registration Act, 1860 shall apply to the following societies:
- Organizations dedicated to charitable causes.
- Funds or societies caring for orphans of military personnel across India’s presidencies.
- Groups formed to advance science, literature, or the visual and performing arts.
- Societies focused on education and the spread of practical knowledge, including civic or political awareness.
- Entities that establish or maintain libraries and reading rooms for members or open to everyone.
- Public museums and art galleries displaying paintings, sculptures, and other creative works.
- Collections showcasing natural history specimens, technological and philosophical inventions, instruments, and designs.
Checklist / Documents required for registration of society
- Minimum seven founding members with proof of identity.
- Name availability clearance from the Registrar.
- Rules and Regulations governing governance, membership, and finance of society.
- Registered office address proof.
- Application form and prescribed registration fee
- Other relevant forms as per requirement
Need More Insights on Society Registration
It is a legal process under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, to form association of individuals united for literary, scientific, charitable, educational, or fine-arts purposes.
A minimum of seven individuals, Indian nationals or foreigners, can form a society.
- Signed Memorandum and Rules & Regulations of Society
- Identity and address proofs
- Office address proof
- NOC from property owner
- Other relevant forms
Societies offer a cost effective, democratic structure with an elected governing body, flexible membership criteria, and lower initial compliance, making them ideal for community-driven, non-profit initiatives.
Yes. Besides Indian citizens, foreign individuals, companies, and even other registered societies can join, provided the Memorandum of Association explicitly allows such membership.
Some of the pitfalls to avoid when drafting comprise:
- Ambiguous objectives that exceed Act’s scope
- Vague membership eligibility clauses
- Lack of clear procedures for AGM and elections
- Missing dispute-resolution mechanism
- No clause for amendment or dissolution etc
Yes. You must provide proof of a bona fide office address within the state’s jurisdiction. A rent agreement or utility bill in the society’s name typically suffices.
A Society can amend their objective or name if the convene a special general meeting, pass a two-thirds majority resolution, amend the Memorandum and Rules, and file the changes with registrar.
Yes, a resolution to dissolve can pass when at least 60% of members vote in favour at a specially convened meeting (in person or by proxy). If the state government is a member, contributor, or otherwise interested party, its written consent is required before any dissolution can proceed.