Maintenance and Utility Disputes
If the society fails to maintain the building (painting, structural repairs), who enforces compliance?
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Short Answer
The enforcement of compliance for building maintenance, including painting and structural repairs, falls under the jurisdiction of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies as per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961.
Detailed Explanation
Section 63 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to intervene in case of non-compliance with maintenance obligations by a cooperative society. The Registrar can issue directives to the society to undertake necessary maintenance work, including painting and structural repairs, within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to penalties or legal actions against the society.
In practice, if a cooperative society neglects building maintenance responsibilities, any member or group of members can file a complaint with the Registrar detailing the maintenance issues. The Registrar will then investigate the matter, conduct inspections if required, and issue orders to the society for rectification. If the society continues to disregard the maintenance requirements, the Registrar may take further steps such as appointing an administrator to oversee the maintenance activities.
Real-world Scenarios
Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society in Gujarat fails to repaint the building exterior despite repeated reminders from the members. Concerned residents can approach the Registrar of Cooperative Societies with evidence of the neglect, prompting the Registrar to intervene and ensure the necessary painting work is carried out.
Scenario 2: A cooperative society ignores structural repairs needed to address safety concerns in the building. An aggrieved member can lodge a complaint with the Registrar, who will investigate the issue, issue directives for repairs, and monitor the society's compliance with the maintenance requirements.
Scenario 3: In a commercial cooperative society, the lack of maintenance leads to deterioration of the property, affecting the business operations of the members. The Registrar's intervention becomes crucial in compelling the society to fulfill its maintenance obligations to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders.
References
Section 63 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF
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