Home The Constitution Part IXB Article 243ZH

Art. 243ZH Part IXB: The Co-operative Societies

Definitions

Exact text — Constitution of India

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—(b) 'board' means the board of directors or the governing body of a co-operative society, by whatever name called, to which the direction and control of the management of the affairs of a society is entrusted to; (c) 'co-operative society' means a society registered or deemed to be registered under any law relating to co-operative societies for the time being in force in any State; (e) 'multi-State co-operative society' means a society with objects not confined to one State and registered or deemed to be registered under any law for the time being in force relating to such co-operatives; (f) 'office bearer' means a president, vice-president, chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary or treasurer of a co-operative society and includes any other person to be elected by the board of any co-operative society...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article sets up the vocabulary for Part IXB, most importantly distinguishing 'co-operative society' (a state-registered body, most common) from 'multi-State co-operative society' (one operating across state lines, which falls under Union rather than state jurisdiction) — a distinction that matters a great deal for which government level actually regulates a given co-operative.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why, when the Supreme Court later struck down part of this framework in Rajendra N. Shah (2021), it specifically distinguished between STATE co-operatives (where the ruling applied) and MULTI-STATE co-operatives (where this Part's protections continued to apply) — the definitions in this Article are the basis for that crucial distinction.

Read alongside this one

Art. 243zr — Application to Multi-State Co-operative Societies

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 243ZH

What makes a co-operative 'multi-State' rather than an ordinary state co-operative?

It's registered under a law relating to co-operatives whose objects aren't confined to just one state — meaning it genuinely operates across state boundaries, which places it under different (Union-level) regulatory jurisdiction.

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The text above reproduces Article 243ZH of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.