Kerala's Societies Law Overhaul Hits Administrative Snag, Paralyzes Registrations
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's highly anticipated reform of societies registration laws has encountered a significant administrative hurdle, plunging voluntary organizations across the state into a state of legal uncertainty. Despite the Kerala Societies Registration Act, 2025, coming into effect on January 1 this year—replacing the outdated 1860 and 1955 statutes—the essential rules required to implement the new framework have not been notified, effectively bringing fresh registrations to a standstill.
Background of the Reform and Its Intentions
The 2025 Act was enacted as a landmark legislative measure designed to end decades of fragmented regulation. For nearly seven decades after Kerala's formation, societies in the Malabar region and certain areas operated under the colonial-era Societies Registration Act of 1860, while the rest of the state followed the Travancore-Cochin Act of 1955. This dual system led to widespread inconsistencies, legal confusion, and administrative obstacles, hampering the efficiency and transparency of voluntary organizations.
The new law consolidates both historical frameworks into a single, modern statute that mandates stricter compliance measures, including compulsory audits, annual filings, and enhanced regulatory oversight. It was widely projected as a major reform to strengthen transparency and streamline governance for clubs, charitable bodies, cultural groups, and educational societies throughout Kerala.
Current Administrative Deadlock and Its Consequences
However, while the parent legislation was published in the official gazette in November 2025 and enforced from January 1, the procedural rules—which specify application processes, required documents, fee structures, and compliance formats—have not been issued. Sources indicate that the administrative department prepared draft rules nearly two months ago and forwarded them to the law department for scrutiny, but the file has since remained pending.
This delay has created a regulatory vacuum: the old Acts stand repealed, yet the operational mechanism under the new law has not taken shape. As a result, registrar offices are unable to process new applications. They cannot accept registrations under the repealed statutes, nor can they proceed under the 2025 Act without the notified rules.
A sub-registrar, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained, "Registrar offices are now unable to process new applications. They cannot accept registrations under the repealed statutes, nor can they proceed under the new Act without notified rules. As a result, newly formed clubs, charitable organisations, cultural bodies and educational societies are unable to obtain registration certificates."
Widespread Impact on Various Sectors
The absence of registration certificates has severe repercussions, as organizations cannot open bank accounts, receive grants, or mobilize funds, including foreign contributions where applicable. The registration department's online portal still reflects provisions of the repealed laws, adding to the confusion and frustration among applicants.
The impact is particularly acute in the arts and sports sectors, where numerous clubs and grassroots bodies were preparing to register under the unified law. Additionally, libraries, startups in the social sector, and community initiatives that depend on formal registration to operate legally are also affected. Volunteers report that months of preparatory work have been stalled due to this administrative deadlock, undermining the very transparency and efficiency the reform aimed to promote.
Observers note the irony that the 2025 Act, intended as a progressive step forward, has instead left the voluntary sector in a transitional freeze. The delay in notifying rules not only hampers new registrations but also casts a shadow over the state's commitment to modernizing governance frameworks for non-profit organizations.
