Short Answer

Any member of a cooperative society who meets the qualifications specified in the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 can contest society elections. However, certain disqualifications also exist under the Act.

Detailed Explanation

Qualifications for Contesting Society Elections:

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 outlines the qualifications required for a member to contest society elections. According to this section, a member must:

• Be a registered member of the society.

• Have no outstanding dues or liabilities towards the society.

• Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.

In practice, these qualifications ensure that only genuine and financially responsible members can participate in the election process. For example, if a member has unpaid dues towards the society, they may be ineligible to contest the elections until the dues are cleared.

Disqualifications for Contesting Society Elections:

Section 74 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 specifies the disqualifications that can prevent a member from contesting society elections. Some common disqualifications include:

• Being declared of unsound mind by a competent authority.

• Being insolvent or having been declared as such by a court.

• Having been removed from any office in a society due to financial irregularities.

These disqualifications aim to maintain the integrity and financial stability of cooperative societies by preventing individuals with questionable backgrounds from holding key positions within the society.

Practical Examples

• Qualification Scenario:

John, a member of XYZ Cooperative Society, decides to contest the upcoming elections. He ensures that all his dues are cleared, and he has a clean record with no criminal convictions, meeting the qualifications set by Section 73.

• Disqualification Scenario:

Mary, another member of the society, had previously been removed from the position of treasurer due to financial irregularities. As per Section 74, she is disqualified from contesting any future society elections.

• Mixed Scenario:

Raj, a member with no outstanding dues, decides to contest the elections. However, it is discovered that he was recently declared insolvent by a court, leading to his disqualification under Section 74.

In conclusion, the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 clearly defines the qualifications and disqualifications for members contesting society elections, ensuring transparency and accountability within cooperative societies.

Reference

• Section 73 and Section 74 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF