Under The Societies Registration Act, 1860, any seven or more individuals associated for a literary, scientific, or charitable purpose—or for any other purpose specified in Section 20 of the Act—can form a society by subscribing to a Memorandum of Association and registering it with the Registrar of Joint-stock Companies.

What is a Society?

In simple terms, a society is a voluntary association of individuals united by a common interest to deliberate, act, and govern collectively for a communal or social objective. Societies are typically established to promote activities related to:

• Education

• Art and culture

• Music

• Science

• Literature

• Religion

• Social welfare and development

The primary objective of The Societies Registration Act, 1860 is to encourage the growth of knowledge, awareness, fine arts, science, and charitable initiatives.

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Permissible Objectives for Forming a Society

A society may be registered for one or more of the following purposes:

• Promotion of fine arts

• Dissemination of political education

• Grant of charitable assistance

• Advancement of science and literature

• Creation of military orphan funds

• Establishment and maintenance of galleries or public museums

• Creation or management of libraries and reading rooms

• Promotion of public instruction and useful knowledge

• Social welfare and development

• Any other charitable or developmental activity

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Eligibility Criteria for Society Registration

To register a society under the Act, the following criteria must be met:

• Minimum 7 members are required (for national-level societies, at least 8 members).

• All members must subscribe to the Memorandum of Association.

• Foreign nationals are eligible, provided they submit verified identification documents.

• Partnership firms and limited companies may also become members.

• Minors are not eligible.

• Any individual legally competent to enter into a contract is eligible.

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Advantages of Registering a Society

• Legal recognition and structure

• Tax exemptions (if registered under Section 12A & 80G)

• Eligibility for government grants and aid

• Enhanced credibility and public trust

• Separate legal entity status

• Perpetual succession and limited liability for members

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Documents Required for Society Registration

1. PAN Card of all members

2. Proof of Residence (any one of the following):

   • Aadhaar Card

   • Passport

   • Driving License

   • Utility Bill

   • Bank Statement

3. Memorandum of Association (MoA)

4. Articles of Association (AoA)

5. Letter of Intent stating the purpose and objectives of forming the society

6. Address Proof of the registered office

7. List of all members, including their signatures

8. Declaration by members agreeing to hold designated posts within the society