Short Answer

Yes, a member can demand a poll if a resolution is being passed at a general meeting.

Detailed Explanation

Section 29 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers a member to demand a poll at a general meeting. This means that if a resolution is being considered for passing at a general meeting, any member has the right to request a vote by poll instead of a show of hands. In practice, this provision ensures fairness and transparency in decision-making within cooperative societies.

In real-world scenarios, if a contentious resolution is being discussed at a general meeting and there is a disagreement among members, the option to demand a poll allows for a more accurate reflection of the members' views. The process typically involves a formal request made by a member during the meeting, following which the poll is conducted to determine the outcome of the resolution.

For example, let's consider a scenario where a cooperative society is voting on a significant financial decision such as a large investment. If some members feel strongly against the proposal, they can demand a poll to ensure that each member's vote is counted individually, rather than relying on a simple show of hands.

Another practical example could be during the election of the society's committee members. If there are multiple candidates for a position and the members are divided in their preferences, the option to demand a poll allows for a fair and accurate election process.

Overall, the provision in Section 29 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 regarding the right to demand a poll at a general meeting plays a crucial role in upholding democratic principles and ensuring member participation in decision-making processes within cooperative societies.

References

• Section 29 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF