The Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) on May 15, 2026, issued the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Registration of Societies Regulation, 2026 to consolidate the laws relating to the registration and regulation of societies in the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, for promoting art, fine arts, charity, craft, culture, education, literature, philosophy, political education, religion, sports, science and for any public or charitable purpose, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
It extends to the whole of the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
The Regulation establishes a structured administrative framework for the governance of societies by empowering the Government to appoint key officials such as the Registrar General, Registrar, Additional/Joint Registrars, and District Registrars. These officers are entrusted with defined powers and responsibilities for registration, supervision, and enforcement. All such officials are deemed public servants and are granted protection for actions taken in good faith under the law.
It lays down clear provisions for the formation and registration of societies, allowing seven or more persons to form a society for purposes such as charitable, scientific, literary, cultural, environmental, or welfare activities. The process requires submission of a Memorandum of Association and bye-laws, with safeguards to prevent registration of duplicate or misleading names. Registered societies are granted legal entity status with perpetual succession, enabling them to own property, enter contracts, and undertake legal proceedings.
The Regulation also prescribes detailed governance norms, including membership eligibility, maintenance of member registers, conduct of General Body and Governing Body meetings, and election of office-bearers. It mandates transparency through proper record-keeping, audited accounts, annual filings, and member access to documents. Provisions are also included for amendment of bye-laws, change of name or address, and compliance requirements to ensure accountability.
Further, it regulates financial and operational aspects such as property management, investment of funds, and restrictions on disposal of assets. Strong oversight mechanisms are introduced, including powers of inquiry, inspection, seizure of records, and supersession of the Governing Body in cases of mismanagement. The Regulation also provides procedures for amalgamation, division, suspension, cancellation, or dissolution of societies, ensuring proper legal and administrative control over their functioning.
[Notification No. 4 OF 2026]
