The Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ) on August 27, 2026, issued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Registration of Societies Regulation, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Regulation consolidates the law relating to the registration and regulation of societies in the Union Territory. It permits seven or more persons to form societies for literary, scientific, charitable, educational, cultural, religious, sports, public and other specified purposes. The Regulation establishes requirements relating to registration, Memorandum and bye-laws, General Body and Governing Body, with the Governing Body comprising 3 to 21 members and having a maximum tenure of three years. At least one General Body meeting shall be held every financial year, while the Governing Body shall meet at least once every quarter.
• The Regulation places greater emphasis on financial transparency and ongoing compliance by requiring societies to maintain proper books of account, undergo annual audit and file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar within 30 days of the Annual General Meeting. It also provides for Registrar oversight, inspection, inquiry, supersession of the Governing Body, cancellation and dissolution of societies. Non-compliance may attract a penalty of up to ₹2,000, along with up to ₹100 per day for continuing defaults.
• The Regulation repeals the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Existing societies registered under the repealed Act will be deemed registered under the new Regulation, but their Memorandum and bye-laws shall be brought into conformity with the new provisions within two years from commencement.
[Act No. 11 of 2026]
