Short Answer

If a society officer, such as the secretary, fails to hand over records at elections, they may face consequences as per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961.

Detailed Explanation

Section 33 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 deals with the consequences of a society officer failing to hand over records at elections. This section states that if the secretary or any other officer of the society refuses or neglects to hand over the records of the society to the person authorized to conduct the election, they shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees. This provision ensures transparency and accountability in the election process of cooperative societies.

In practice, this section is crucial in maintaining the integrity of cooperative society elections. By imposing a penalty on officers who fail to hand over records, it deters malpractices and ensures that elections are conducted fairly. For example, if the secretary of a cooperative society refuses to provide necessary records during elections, they can be held accountable under this section.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: During the election process of a cooperative society, the secretary fails to hand over the financial records to the election officer.

• Scenario 2: The secretary deliberately withholds important membership records required for the election process.

• Scenario 3: The officer in charge of maintaining records fails to provide access to crucial documents needed for the election audit.

By enforcing Section 33 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, cooperative societies can ensure that officers fulfill their responsibilities during elections, promoting transparency and fair practices.

References

• Section 33 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: [Official PDF]