Short Answer

Yes, any member of a cooperative society has the right to inspect the society's minutes of general or committee meetings.

Detailed Explanation

Section 32 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 grants every member of a cooperative society the right to inspect the minutes of general meetings and committee meetings. This means that any member, upon giving reasonable notice to the society, can access and review the minutes to understand the decisions taken and discussions held during these meetings. In practice, this provision ensures transparency and accountability within the society by allowing members to stay informed about the functioning and decision-making processes.

In real-world scenarios, if a member wishes to inspect the minutes of a general or committee meeting, they can submit a written request to the society specifying the meeting date they want to review. The society must then provide access to the minutes within a reasonable time frame, usually during office hours at the society's registered office. This process ensures that members can exercise their right to information and participate effectively in the society's affairs.

For example, if a member is concerned about certain decisions taken during a committee meeting, they can inspect the minutes to understand the context and reasoning behind those decisions. Similarly, if a member wants to verify the accuracy of the information recorded in the minutes of a general meeting, they can do so by exercising their right to inspection.

Another practical scenario could involve a dispute arising within the society regarding the proceedings of a general meeting. In such cases, members can refer to the minutes to clarify any misunderstandings or discrepancies and resolve the issue effectively.

Overall, the provision allowing members to inspect the society's minutes of general or committee meetings promotes transparency, accountability, and member participation in the cooperative society's governance.

References

• Section 32 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF