Registration of documents executed on behalf of co-operative societies

Registration of documents executed on behalf of co-operative societies. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act XVI of 1908), it shall not be necessary for any member of a board, Chief Executive or other office bearer of a co-operative society or any officer of the Department of Co-operation to appear in person or by agent at any registration office in any proceeding connected with the registration of any instrument executed by him in his official capacity on behalf of a co-operative society or to sign as provided in section 58 of that Act. (2) Where any instrument is so executed, the registering officer to whom such instrument is presented for registration may, if he thinks fit, refer to such member, secretary or officer for information respecting the same, and on being satisfied of the execution thereof, shall register the instrument. (2) Any person guilty of an offence under this section shall,— (a) if he is a returning officer, assistant returning officer or a presiding officer at a polling station or any other officer or clerk employed on official duty in connection with the election, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both; (b) if he is any other person, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine or with both. (3) For the purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to be on official duty, if his duty is to take part in the conduct of an election or part of an election including the counting of votes or to be responsible after an election for the used ballot papers and other documents in connection with such election, but the expression “official duty” shall not include any duty imposed otherwise than by or under this Act. (4) An offence punishable under sub-section (2) shall be cognizable.