New rules for co-op hsg societies notified

Around 1.27 lakh co-operative housing societies are registered in Maharashtra, including nearly 33,200 in Brihanmumbai. Recognising their special nature, the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced Chapter XIII-B in the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, creating a separate legal framework through Sections 154B-1 to 154B-31.

- Prakash Darekar

However, corresponding rules were not framed for nearly six years, leaving Registrars, societies, office-bearers and members struggling to implement the provisions. Conflicts between the Act, the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 1961, and existing Model Bye-laws also created uncertainty, while housing societies continued to operate under general rules that did not address their specific needs.

The State Government has now notified the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing Chapter XI-B. Rules 106C-1 to 106C-14 provide an independent statutory framework for housing societies for the first time and give legal recognition to several matters previously governed only by Model Bye-laws. Revised Model Bye-laws are expected shortly, and societies will have to adopt them within the prescribed period.