The order, passed on 12 May 2026 by Deputy Registrar Ram Kulkarni, removes Chairman Dr Sandhya Bhatt and Secretary Mahesh Soni from the Managing Committee. They have also been barred from holding any position in the Managing Committee for the next one year.

Background of the Case

Members Gayacharan Parmanand Trivedi and his son Anil Trivedi had been requesting documents from the society since December 2024. Their requests included:

• Builder handover/transfer files and related correspondence records
• Minutes of Annual General Body Meetings and Special General Body Meetings
• Video recordings of society meetings
• Other records related to the society’s functioning

The members paid the required fee of ₹1,000. Despite multiple letters, follow-ups, and even a direction from the Deputy Registrar’s office in September 2025 under Section 154B-27(1), the society failed to provide the complete set of documents. The society provided some recent meeting minutes and video recordings but refused to give the crucial Builder-related files, citing third-party confidentiality.

After the society failed to comply, the Deputy Registrar issued a show-cause notice in January 2026. Hearings were held in January and February 2026. The Registrar observed that while some documents were supplied, the society caused unjustified delay and gave unreasonable excuses for withholding key records. This was held to be a violation of Section 154B-8 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960.

Members Have Strong Legal Rights

This case serves as an important reminder for housing society members across Maharashtra:

Under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960 (particularly Section 154B-8), every member has the right to obtain copies of documents from the society. The society is legally bound to provide the requested documents within 45 days of receiving a written application along with the prescribed fee.

Additionally, the society’s own bye-laws (especially Bye-law 23) give members the right to inspect and obtain copies of:

• Minutes of meetings
• Accounts and financial records
• Correspondence and important files
• Other records related to the society’s functioning

The Managing Committee cannot arbitrarily refuse or delay providing these documents. Doing so can invite action from the Registrar, including disqualification of office bearers.

How Members Can Get Documents from Their Housing Society

If you are facing difficulty in obtaining documents from your housing society, follow these steps:

1. Send a written application clearly listing the documents you need.
2. Pay the prescribed fee (usually ₹1–2 per page or as decided by the society/Registrar).
3. Keep proof of delivery (registered post, email with read receipt, or society stamp).
4. If documents are not provided within 45 days, send a reminder.
5. File a complaint with the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies of your area, attaching all correspondence.
6. The Registrar can issue directions to the society and take action against non-compliant office bearers under Section 154B-23.

Members should note that vague excuses like “confidentiality” or “third-party information” cannot be used to deny legitimate requests, especially for documents that belong to the society.

Key Takeaway

This order from the Dombivli Deputy Registrar sends a clear message: Housing society managing committees must maintain transparency. Members are not at the mercy of the committee. The law empowers them with the right to information, and authorities will act against those who block it.

Societies that continue to withhold documents risk disqualification of their office bearers and further legal consequences.

Also Read: Housing Society Committees Cannot Be Removed Arbitrarily by Cooperative Officials: Bombay High Court

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