Bhupesh Punmiya And ORS v. State Of Maharashtra Thr. The Secretary Minister Of Co Operation And ORS

24-wp-12370-2025.doc Shabnoor

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO.12370 OF 2025 Digitally signed by SHABNOOR AYUB PATHAN Date:

2025.09.25 18:28:36 +0530 Bhupesh Punmiya & Ors.

... Petitioners V/s.

State of Maharashtra & Ors.

... Respondents SHABNOOR AYUB PATHAN Mr. Ashish Raghuwanshi a/w Ankur Jain i/b Mr. Ram Ugrah Singh for the petitioners.

Ms. V. R. Raje, AGP for the State - respondent. Mr. Mayur Khandeparkar, a/w Deepesh Kadam, Santosh Pathak, for respondent Nos. 4 to 7.

CORAM

: AMIT BORKAR, J.

DATED : SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 P.C.:

1.

The petitioner challenges the order of status quo granted by the Minister exercising powers under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. In the revision, the Minister granted a stay on the order of appointment of an Administrator, which was passed by exercising powers under Section 77A of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. 2.

It is an undisputed fact that the term of the Managing Committee expired in 2022. Once the term of the Managing Committee has ended, such Managing Committee cannot continue to manage the affairs of the society. Therefore, the Registrar has rightly appointed an Administrator under Section 77A of the Act, who is under obligation to conduct the election. The exercise of

24-wp-12370-2025.doc such power by the Registrar should not be interfered with by the Minister under Section 154 of the Act. Accordingly, the impugned order passed by the Minister is set aside.

3.

The writ petition stands disposed of.

(AMIT BORKAR, J.)