Short Answer

Yes, members need to follow strict evidence rules in cooperative courts.

Detailed Explanation

Section 91 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers cooperative courts to follow the principles of natural justice and allows them to summon witnesses, examine them on oath, and require the production of documents. This means that members must provide concrete evidence to support their case in front of the cooperative court. The court will evaluate the evidence presented by both parties to make a fair decision.

In practice, members need to gather relevant documents, such as meeting minutes, financial records, and communication exchanges, to substantiate their claims. Witness testimonies can also be crucial in proving the facts of the case. Cooperative courts rely on this evidence to determine the validity of complaints and allegations brought by members against the society or its management.

For example, if a member alleges financial mismanagement by the society's committee, they would need to provide bank statements, audit reports, or any other financial documents to support their claim. In another scenario, if a member accuses the management of conducting meetings without proper notice, they would need to produce communication records or meeting agendas to prove their point.

Overall, cooperative courts adhere to strict evidence rules to ensure a fair and just resolution of disputes among members and societies. Members play a crucial role in presenting compelling evidence to support their grievances and seek redressal through the legal process.

References

• Section 91 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF