How Should Housing Society Elections Be Held?

Every housing society has the right to elect its managing committee every 5  years. If your society refuses to do so, anyone can lodge a formal complaint.

In case of a dispute or / grievance, anyone should ideally lodge a complaint with the housing society's managing committee.

The latter needs to respond within 15 days of receiving complaint. If there is no response, anyone can approach the registrar's office, which regulates matters pertaining to housing societies, like unfair electoral practices.

If it is found that the members are indeed holding positions without having contested the elections, the existing committee can be dissolved.

In its place, the deputy registrar can appoint an administrative officer to run the affairs of the society till fresh elections are conducted, which should take place within 6 months.

Alternatively , a board of administration, comprising three members of the society , may be appointed.

Another option available to anyone is to approach the cooperative court against your society or even the registrar. Anyone can also file a case s with the civil court or / lodge a criminal complaint of misrepresentation against such members.

In case the unelected member has swindled money , a case of fraud, too, can be filed against him/her. This route, however, is longer & costlier.

The district housing federations, which are established under the provisions of the Cooperative Housing Societies Act, can also be approached.

How Should Housing Society Elections Be Held?

Ideally, one must start the election process nearly 2 months before the end of the existing housing society managing committee's term. The committee is expected to compile a list of members who are eligible to vote, which needs to be put up on the notice board 60 days before the election.

Then, the managing committee has to appoint a returning officer to oversee the election. The election programme has to be put up on the notice board and a copy submitted to the registrar.

If the committee is unable to decide on a returning officer, the registering authority can appoint one.

From ET

Share: