Short Answer

Minors are not allowed to become members or vote in cooperative societies until they reach the age of 18.

Detailed Explanation

Section 25 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states that a person who has not attained the age of 18 years cannot be admitted as a member of a cooperative society. This means that minors are not eligible to become members of cooperative societies until they reach the age of majority.

Furthermore, Rule 22 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 elaborates on the voting rights of members. It specifies that every member who has attained the age of 18 years shall have one vote in the affairs of the cooperative society. This rule reinforces the principle that only individuals who have reached the age of 18 are entitled to exercise their voting rights in cooperative society matters.

In practice, this means that minors are not permitted to become members of cooperative societies or participate in voting until they reach the age of 18. Once they attain majority, they can apply for membership and exercise their voting rights as per the rules and regulations governing cooperative societies.

Real-world Scenarios

• A 16-year-old individual expresses interest in becoming a member of a cooperative society. As per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, they are not eligible to apply for membership until they turn 18.

• During a general body meeting of a cooperative society, a 17-year-old member tries to cast a vote on a resolution. However, as per Rule 22, they are not entitled to vote until they reach the age of majority.

• A cooperative society conducts elections for various positions on the board. Only members who have crossed the age of 18 are allowed to nominate themselves and participate in the voting process.

Reference

• Section 25 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 22 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965