Governing body defined
Section 16 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 deals with governing body defined. The governing body of the society shall be the governors, council, directors, committee, trustees or other body to whom by the rules and regulations of the society the management of its affairs is entrusted. The Act was enacted on 21 May 1860.
The governing body of the society shall be the governors, council, directors, committee, trustees or other body to whom by the rules and regulations of the society the management of its affairs is entrusted.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Haryana
Amendment of section 16 of Central Act 21 of 1860.-- In section 16 of the principal Act, after the words and signs "committee, trustees,", the words "trustee mandal" shall be inserted.
[Vide Haryana Act 14 of 2007, s. 5]
Insertion of section 16A in Central Act 21 of 1860.-- After section 16 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: --
"16A. Duties, functions and powers of governing body.-- The duties, functions and powers of governing body of the society shall be such as may be prescribed.".
[Vide Haryana Act 14 of 2007, s. 6]
Section 16, The Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act 21 of 1860).
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
-
Vishnu Prabha Sharma v. Registrar for Firms and Societies, Chandigarh
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
Societies Registration Act 1860: District Registrar lacks statutory power to appoint Administrator; governing-body list filing under s.4 noted; expired tenure disputes for civil court. Body dated July 17, 2025 matches Final Order.
On this section: Governing body tenure/election disputes framed against s.16 governing-body concept; civil court for merits.
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Questions about Section 16
What have the courts held on Section 16 of the Societies Registration Act?
Vishnu Prabha Sharma v. Registrar for Firms and Societies, Chandigarh (17 Jul 2025) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: Governing body tenure/election disputes framed against s.16 governing-body concept; civil court for merits.
How do I find court cases under Section 16 of the Societies Registration Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Societies Registration Act 16, section 16 Societies Registration Act, section 16 of the Societies Registration Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with Vishnu Prabha Sharma v. Registrar for Firms and Societies, Chandigarh (17 Jul 2025).
When was Section 16 of the Societies Registration Act enacted?
Section 16 of the Societies Registration Act, cited as Societies Registration Act 16, was enacted on 21 May 1860 as Act 21 of 1860. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 20. To what societies the Act shall apply6292 words
- 12. Societies enabled to alter, extend or abridge their purposes2939 words
- 4. Annual list of managing body to be filed1214 words
- 1. Societies formed by memorandum of association and registration962 words
- 3. Registration and fees836 words
- 13. Provision for dissolution of societies and adjustment of their affairs609 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.