Societies Registration Act, 1860: Registration, Memorandum, Annual Filing & Sections

Updated: 4 September 2026

The Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act No. 21 of 1860) provides a legal framework for registration of literary, scientific and charitable societies. The central text contains 20 sections dealing with formation, memorandum of association, registration, governing bodies, annual filings, property, suits, alteration of objects, dissolution and inspection of documents.

Important State/UT law note: Society registration is administered under the law applicable in the relevant State or Union Territory. State amendments, replacement enactments, registration fees, forms, renewal rules and filing procedures may differ. Before filing, verify the current requirements of the Registrar of Societies or other competent authority for the relevant jurisdiction.

Registration basics under the central Act

Minimum subscribersSection 1 of the central Act permits seven or more persons associated for an eligible purpose to subscribe to a memorandum of association and form a society, subject to the law applicable in the jurisdiction.
Memorandum of associationSection 2 requires the memorandum to state the society's name, objects, and details of the governing body. A certified copy of the rules and regulations is filed with it.
Annual governing-body listSection 4 deals with filing an annual list of the managing or governing body, subject to applicable amendments and local procedure.
DissolutionSections 13 and 14 address dissolution, adjustment of affairs and the treatment of property remaining after satisfaction of debts and liabilities.

Societies Registration Act, 1860 - section-wise contents

Sections 1 to 5 - formation, memorandum, registration and property

Sections 6 to 10 - suits, judgments and member liability

Sections 11 to 15 - offences, alteration of purposes and dissolution

Sections 16 to 20 - governing body, earlier societies, inspection and scope

Practical registration note

The central Act supplies the basic statutory framework, but a current filing checklist cannot safely be stated as identical throughout India. Depending on the State/UT, applicants may need jurisdiction-specific forms, prescribed fees, proof of registered office, identity and address documents, declarations, affidavits, governing-body details, rules and regulations, and other supporting records. Renewal and post-registration filing obligations may also vary.

This page is a general legal-information resource. For an actual registration, amendment, renewal, dispute or dissolution, check the current State/UT statute, amendments, rules, notifications and Registrar instructions applicable to the society.