Short Answer

Yes, a tenant can request a copy of by-laws or records for their own protection.

Detailed Explanation

Section 33 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers a member or a tenant to inspect the by-laws, books, and records of the cooperative society. This means that a tenant has the right to access and review the by-laws and records maintained by the cooperative society for their own protection. In practice, this provision ensures transparency and accountability within the cooperative society by allowing tenants to verify the rules and regulations governing their tenancy.

For example, if a tenant suspects any discrepancies in the maintenance charges being levied by the cooperative society, they can request a copy of the relevant by-laws and records to understand the basis for such charges. By reviewing these documents, the tenant can ensure that they are being charged accurately and in accordance with the established rules.

Furthermore, in a scenario where a tenant wishes to challenge a decision taken by the cooperative society regarding their tenancy, having access to the by-laws and records can provide them with the necessary information to support their case. This access to information promotes fairness and protects the rights of tenants within the cooperative society.

In order to request a copy of the by-laws or records, a tenant can submit a written application to the secretary of the cooperative society, specifying the documents they wish to inspect. The cooperative society is obligated to provide access to these documents within a reasonable time frame, allowing the tenant to review them for their own protection.

Reference

• Section 33 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: [link to official PDF]