The Kerala Societies Registration Act, 2025 (Act No. 14 of 2025) has replaced the 1955 Act. If you are registering a society, charitable organisation, educational institution, or residents welfare association in Kerala, this new law applies.
Quick Summary
Societies in Kerala are registered under the Kerala Societies Registration Act, 1955 (as amended), which governs the registration, management, and dissolution of literary, scientific, charitable, and other societies. The application for registration is filed with the Registrar of Societies in the district where the society's registered office is situated. Registration requires: a Memorandum of Association setting out the name, registered office address, objects of the society, and the names and addresses of the governing body members; Rules and Regulations (bye-laws) governing the internal management of the society; and identity and address proof of the founding members. A minimum of 7 members is required for registration.
Registered societies have a legal existence separate from their members, can hold property, enter contracts, and sue and be sued in the society's name. Annual compliance requirements include filing an annual statement of accounts and a list of governing body members with the Registrar. Societies failing to comply face action including removal from the register. Amendments to the Memorandum of Association or Rules and Regulations require the approval of a General Body meeting and registration of the amendment with the Registrar. Section 8 companies under the Companies Act, 2013 (formerly Section 25 companies) are an alternative structure for non-profit organisations that prefer the corporate form over the society form.
Key references: Kerala Registration Department · MCA — Section 8 Companies · IndiaCode · Ministry of Law & Justice · Last reviewed: June 2026
The Kerala Societies Registration Act, 2025 was enacted in the 76th year of the Republic of India and replaces the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955 and the corresponding provisions of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as applied to Kerala. The new Act modernises the registration framework, introduces electronic filing of returns and documents, and updates compliance and audit requirements.
After society registration, organisations engaged in charitable activities can apply separately to the Income Tax Department for: 12A registration (exempts the society's income from tax) and 80G registration (allows donors to claim tax deductions on contributions). FCRA registration is required separately if the society intends to receive foreign funding.
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Corporate lawyers Kerala — overviewThe office drafts MoA and Rules to comply with the Kerala Societies Registration Act, 2025, handles the registration process with the district Registrar, and advises on 80G, 12A and FCRA registration. Contact for a consultation.
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