Distinction

A society is essentially an association of 10 or more people. Where there is legislation to provide for registration of specific types of association of persons (e.g. by the nature of their objects), these associations will be excluded from the definition of “society”. Hence, a “society” can include any club, company, partnership, whatever its nature or object, but does not include any company registered under the Companies Act, trade union, co-operative society or mutual benefit organization.Members of a co-operative society get together to promote the economic interest of their members. They have to submit viable business plan of the co-operative before registration. These two pre-requisites are not present in a society.