Short Answer

Joint liability, such as a spouse's debt, can impact one's membership status in a cooperative society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 30 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 addresses the liability of members. It states that every member of a cooperative society is jointly and severally liable for the debts of the society. This means that if one member, including a spouse, incurs a debt to the society, all members are collectively responsible for it. In practice, this joint liability can lead to consequences for the membership status of all members involved.

Furthermore, Rule 38 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 outlines the procedure for recovery of dues from members. If a member, like a spouse, fails to pay their share of the debt, the society can take legal action against all members collectively to recover the outstanding amount. This can result in potential suspension or termination of membership if the debt remains unpaid.

In real-world scenarios, consider a cooperative housing society where one member, the spouse, defaults on their maintenance dues. As per the joint liability clause, the society can demand payment from all members, potentially affecting their membership status. Another example could be a cooperative credit society where a member's loan default impacts the entire group's standing within the society.

To address joint liability issues, cooperative societies typically have mechanisms in place to ensure timely payment of debts by all members. This may involve setting clear guidelines on individual responsibilities, regular monitoring of dues, and taking prompt action against defaulters to protect the financial health of the society.

Reference

• Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 (Section 30): https://cooperation.gujarat.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Co_Op_Societies_Act1961.pdf

• Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 (Rule 38): https://cooperation.gujarat.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Co_Op_Societies_Rules1965.pdf