Cooperative housing societies are governed by model bye-laws that outline numerous rules and procedures, including those for electing new members to the managing committee (MC). The members of the MC must be elected every five years, with elections held before the current term expires. This requirement applies even to small residential societies, where managing committee election is obligatory.
 
The managing committee of a cooperative housing society (CHS/Society) is responsible for many of the day-to-day activities of the Society while working to maintain a harmonious and peaceful environment for all residents. They are also the first point of contact for all residents when any dispute arises, or a complaint is to be made for a pertinent issue. A failure at the level of the managing committee, whether in performing their duties or resolving complaints, naturally affects all residents of the Society. 
 
This week, I am addressing a few queries concerning managing committee members—one who refuses to resign from his post as treasurer, another who does not cooperate with other committee members and one who does not regularly attend the Society meetings. 
 
Treasurer Refuses To Resign, Even after Selling Flat in Society
 
Question: The treasurer of our Society has sold his flat but continues to hold the position in the managing committee as he is a bank signatory and because the elections and KYC (know-your-customer) with the bank are pending. Can you please advise on what period the treasurer can continue in his post in such a case?
 
Answer:  Please make a complaint against the treasurer to the deputy registrar (DR) of cooperative societies for not resigning from his post, as he no longer owns a flat in your Society and thus is not a member of the Society. Ideally, he should have resigned immediately after the sale of his flat, regardless of whether elections were pending or if KYC with the bank was incomplete. 
 
Managing Committee Member Does Not Regularly Attend Meetings
 
Question: A managing committee member of our housing society never attends any meetings even though he resides in the same city. In a recent managing committee election, he once again submitted a nomination for himself and, in all likelihood, will become a committee member again. Our secretary believes that if someone does not attend three consecutive meetings, they automatically lose their managing committee membership. Please advise whether this is correct. Also, suggest what procedure should be followed in this case.
 
Answer: If the managing committee member or office-bearer is not regularly attending the managing committee meetings of the Society, then for not fulfilling their duties as a committee member and for not attending any meetings, such members can be removed by a majority vote by the managing committee members. 
 
As per the bye-laws, if a managing committee member or an office-bearer remains absent for three consecutive meetings, then he/she is liable to lose the post. Office-bearers (such as the chairman, secretary and treasurer) should take strict action against the committee members who do not regularly attend the committee meetings.
 
NOTE
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