Delhi notifies Societies Registration (Amendment) Act
Registrar gets power to cancel registrations
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has officially notified the Societies Registration (Delhi Amendment) Act, 2026, bringing a key change to the regulatory framework governing registered societies in the Capital.
The legislation was passed by the Delhi Legislative Assembly on March 27, 2026, received the assent of the Lieutenant Governor on April 23 and was published in the official gazette on Friday for general information.
The amendment introduces a new Section 12-D into the existing Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable to Delhi. This provision empowers the Registrar to cancel the registration of a society under clearly defined conditions.
As per the notified law, registration can be cancelled if it is found that the society’s registration or its name violates the provisions of the Act or any other law in force. Action can also be taken if the activities of the society are found to be against its stated objectives or contrary to public policy. Further, cases where registration or renewal
certificates have been obtained through misrepresentation or fraud are also covered under the new provision.
The amendment mandates due process before any cancellation. No order for cancellation can be passed without giving the society concerned a reasonable opportunity to respond. This includes allowing the society to modify its name or objectives or to present its case against the proposed action.
The Act further lays down a clear appellate mechanism. Any society aggrieved by an order of cancellation can file an appeal before the Divisional Commissioner within one month from the date of communication of the order. The decision of the Commissioner will be final, and the law specifies that it cannot be challenged in any court.
The amendment is seen as a measure to strengthen compliance and ensure that societies function within the legal framework and in alignment with their declared objectives, while also incorporating safeguards to prevent arbitrary action.
