MAAN SINGH Vs. REGISTRAR CO OPERATIVE SOCIETY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Election of the Managing Committee of the Kharar Primary Co-operative Agricultural Development Bank Limited, Kharar (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank") took place on 12.5.1999. Petitioners Nos, 3 to 6 and respondent Nos. 5 and 6 were elected as members of the Managing Committee of the Bank. Petitioners Nos. 3 to 6 belonged to one party and respondent Nos. 5 and 6 belonged to another party; The agenda for convening a meeting of the Managing Committee of the Bank for 2.6.1999 was issued on 17.5.1999. The meeting was for co-opting two members of the Managing Committee of the Bank as provided under Section 26-A of the Punjab Co-operative Societies Act (hereinafter referred to as the " Act"). The agenda for meeting was issued to all the members of the Managing Committee of the Bank under certificate of posting. As the notice for the co-option was issued on 17.5.1999, an application was filed before the Registrar Co-operative Societies, Punjab on which the Registrar restrained petitioner No. 6 from performing his duties as Director. On coming to know of passing of the order, petitioner No. 6 filed C.W.P. No. 7150 of 1999 in this Court and a Division Bench of this Court, on 26.5.1999 issued notice of motion and ordered that in the meanwhile, operation of the order dated 19.5.1999 passed by the Registrar will remain stayed.

(2.) A meeting of the Managing Committee of the Bank was held on 2.6.1999, respondent Nos. 3 and 4, though present in the meeting, did not participate in the meeting and got themselves marked present in the meeting. In the said meeting petitioner Nos. 1 and 2 were co-opted as members of the Managing Committee of the Bank. Respondent Nos. 5 and 6 filed a petition under Rule 80 of the Punjab Co-operative Societies Rules, 1963 (hereinafter referred to as the "Rules") on the ground that the notice of the meeting was not given to them. It is contended by the petitioners that the notice of the meeting was duly sent to all the members of the Managing Committee of the Bank under certificate of posting. Moreover, petitioners Nos. 1 and 2 who were the co-opted members of the Managing Committee were not impleaded as respondents in the said petition. The said petition was allowed by the Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Ropar vide his order dated 30.7.1999 (copy annexure P/6). In the meantime the election of the office-bearer was also fixed for 8.7.1999 by the Manager of the Bank. 15 days notice was given to hold the meeting. The said meeting was also stayed by the Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies. Roper on 6.7.1999 (copy annexure P/7). By this petition, the petitioners have challenged the orders Annexures P/6 and P/7.

(3.) We have heard learned counsel for the parties.