Short Answer

Disputes with utility suppliers, such as the electricity board, in cooperative societies are governed by the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965. The society acts as the customer in these situations.

Detailed Explanation

Section 63 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to decide disputes arising between a cooperative society and any other person, including utility suppliers like the electricity board. This section provides a legal framework for resolving conflicts related to utility services. The society, as a collective entity, is considered the customer in such disputes.

Rule 104 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 outlines the procedure for filing complaints or disputes with the Registrar. It specifies the format and documentation required for submitting a complaint, ensuring a systematic approach to resolving issues with utility suppliers. This rule ensures that societies can effectively raise concerns and seek redressal in case of disputes.

In practice, if a cooperative society faces issues with the electricity board regarding billing discrepancies, service interruptions, or any other utility-related problems, they can file a complaint with the Registrar as per the provisions of the Act and Rules. The Registrar will then investigate the matter and provide a resolution based on the merits of the case.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cooperative housing society experiences frequent power outages due to infrastructure issues on the electricity board's end. The society files a complaint under Section 63 of the Act, seeking compensation for the inconvenience caused.

• Scenario 2: A cooperative society receives inflated electricity bills from the supplier without any explanation. They utilize Rule 104 of the Rules to formally raise a dispute and request a thorough investigation into the billing discrepancies.

• Scenario 3: A society faces prolonged delays in getting a new electricity connection from the utility provider. They approach the Registrar under Section 63 for intervention and timely resolution of the matter.

References

• Section 63 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF

• Rule 104 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF