Short Answer

Nominal or sympathizer members in a cooperative society are individuals who are not actively involved in the society's affairs but hold a nominal or honorary membership. They do not have voting rights or the right to participate in the management of the society.

Detailed Explanation

Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 addresses the concept of nominal or sympathizer members. This section states that such members are those who do not actively participate in the society's activities and are not eligible to vote or hold any management positions within the society. Essentially, they are honorary members who do not have any decision-making powers within the cooperative.

In practice, nominal or sympathizer members are usually individuals who support the cooperative's objectives or have a symbolic association with the society. They may have been granted membership as a gesture of goodwill or recognition, but they do not play an active role in the functioning of the society.

Real-world scenarios involving nominal or sympathizer members could include prominent community figures or local leaders who are given honorary membership in a cooperative society to show appreciation for their support. These members may attend general meetings or events but do not have the authority to influence the society's decisions.

In terms of rights, nominal or sympathizer members typically have access to information about the society's activities and may receive updates on its progress. However, they do not have the right to vote on important matters or participate in the governance of the society.

Practical Examples

• Mr. Patel, a respected community elder, is made a nominal member of a cooperative housing society to acknowledge his contributions to the community. He receives newsletters and updates but cannot vote on any resolutions.

• A local business owner is granted sympathizer membership in a cooperative credit society due to their support for the cooperative's initiatives. While they can attend meetings, they do not have any decision-making authority.

Reference

• Section 27 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: [Official PDF]