Short Answer

Yes, a resolution passed in a meeting with a simple majority of voters present is binding on absentees.

Detailed Explanation

Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 states, "A resolution passed by a majority of the votes of the members present at a meeting shall be binding on all the members of the society." This means that as long as a resolution is passed by a simple majority of the members present at the meeting, it will be considered valid and binding on all members, including those who were absent.

In practice, this provision ensures that decisions can be made efficiently in cooperative society meetings even if not all members are present. It prevents a small number of absentees from obstructing the decision-making process. For example, if a society meeting has 20 members and 12 members are present, a resolution passed by at least 7 members will be binding on all 20 members, regardless of their presence at the meeting.

Real-world scenarios often involve situations where some members are unable to attend meetings due to various reasons. In such cases, the principle of majority rule ensures that decisions can still be made for the benefit of the society as a whole. This provision promotes democratic decision-making within cooperative societies.

In practical terms, the step-by-step process involves conducting a meeting, voting on resolutions, and ensuring that the resolutions are passed by a simple majority of the members present. Once a resolution is passed in this manner, it becomes legally binding on all members of the society, including those who were not present at the meeting.

Examples:

• In a cooperative housing society meeting with 50 members, if 30 members are present and a resolution is passed by 16 members in favor, it will be binding on all 50 members.

• If a cooperative credit society meeting has 15 members and 10 members are present, a resolution passed by at least 6 members will be considered valid for all 15 members.

• In a cooperative agricultural society with 25 members, if 18 members attend a meeting and a resolution is passed by 10 members, it will be enforceable on all 25 members.

Reference

• Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Section 27

• Official PDF