Short Answer

No, elections cannot be held remotely or online under the current rules in Gujarat.

Detailed Explanation

As per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965, there is no provision that allows for remote or online elections for cooperative societies in Gujarat. The Act and Rules primarily focus on the conduct of elections through physical meetings where members can participate in person.

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 outlines the procedure for conducting elections of the committee of a cooperative society. This section mandates that the election process should be conducted in a general meeting of the society where members can cast their votes in person. Rule 58 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 further elaborates on the procedure for conducting elections, emphasizing the physical presence of members for voting.

In practice, cooperative societies in Gujarat follow the traditional method of holding elections through physical meetings to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Members gather at a designated location to cast their votes, witness the counting process, and ensure the integrity of the election results.

Real-world Scenarios

• A cooperative society in Gujarat called for its annual general meeting to conduct committee elections. Members gathered at the society's premises to participate in the voting process as per the requirements of the Act and Rules.

• In another scenario, a cooperative society explored the possibility of conducting elections online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, upon consulting legal experts and reviewing the relevant laws, it was concluded that online elections are not permissible under the current regulatory framework.

Reference

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961

• Rule 58 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965