Registrar of Societies can’t adjudicate civil disputes amongst members of clubs: Karnataka High Court

A view of the High Court of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: File photo

The High Court of Karnataka has issued guidelines on the exercise of power to conduct enquiries by the Registrar of Societies, while ruling that the statutory power cannot be used to adjudicate private civil disputes between members of clubs registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act (KSR Act), 1960.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the directions while partly allowing a petition filed by the Cosmopolitan Club, Jayanagar.

Making a distinction

The court drew a clear distinction between the statutory power of the Registrar under Section 25 of the KSR Act to examine a society’s “constitution, working and financial condition” and the adjudication of private disputes.

While the Registrar can investigate genuine financial irregularities or statutory violations, he cannot assume the role of a civil court to decide which rival faction has the better right to control the management or hold office, the court said.