Home The Constitution Part IXB Article 243ZO

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

Right of a Member to Get Information

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Subject to any law made by the Legislature of a State, a member of a co-operative society shall have such rights, as may be specified by such law, to obtain information relating to the management and financial affairs of the co-operative society. (2) In relation to the co-operative societies in the States, the State Legislature may, by law, provide for—(a) offences relating to co-operative societies and penalties for such offences; and (b) speedy and inexpensive mode of settlement of disputes.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This is a direct, individually-usable protection — every co-operative society member has a legal right to obtain information about the society's management and financial affairs, a specific transparency guarantee against management withholding information from the very members who collectively own the institution. Clause (2) also requires states to provide for a speedy, inexpensive dispute-resolution mechanism.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is your direct legal basis, as a co-operative member, for demanding to see your society's financial and management records — management can't simply refuse to share this information, since it's a constitutionally-anchored member right, not a discretionary courtesy.

Read alongside this one

Art. 243zn — Convening of General Body Meetings

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 243ZO

Can my co-operative's management refuse to show me financial records?

Not lawfully — this Article specifically guarantees members' right to obtain information on management and financial affairs, backed by whatever specific procedural law your state has enacted to implement it.

What if I have a dispute with my co-operative society?

This Article requires states to provide a speedy, inexpensive dispute-resolution mechanism specifically for co-operative disputes, rather than forcing members into slow, expensive ordinary civil litigation.

← PreviousArticle 243ZN: Convening of General Body Meetings Next →Article 243ZP: Offences and Penalties

The text above reproduces Article 243ZO 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.