- 1 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 5TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURAJ GOVINDARAJ WRIT PETITION NO. 39221 OF 2025 (GM-KSR) BETWEEN COSMOPOLITAN CLUB (REGD) 22ND CROSS, 3RD BLOCK, JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU 560 011. REP. BY ITS HON. SECRETARY M.R. SANJAY S/O M.T.RAMASWAMY GOWDA, AGED 55 YEARS, (REGISTERED UNDER MYSORE SOCIETIES REGISTRATION ACT, 1960) ...PETITIONER (BY SRI: VIVEK SUBBA REDDY., SR. COUNSEL FOR SRI. RAJASHEKAR.S., ADVOCATE ) AND 1. HE STATE OF KARNATAKA DEPARTMENT OF CO-OPERATION, M.S.BUILDING, DR.AMBEDKAR ROAD, VIKASA SOUDHA, BENGALURU 560 001. REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY 2. THE REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ALI ASKER ROAD, NEAR RAJ BHAVAN, VASANTH NAGAR, BENGALURU 560 052. ® Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 2 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 3. THE DISTRICT REGISTRAR REGISTRAR OF CO-OP. SOCIETIES BENGALURU ZONE, NO.146, 3RD FLOOR, SAHAKARA SOUDHA, 8TH CROSS, 3RD MAIN, MARGOSA ROAD, MALLESHWARAM, BENGALURU 560 003. 4. N. LAKSHMANA ENQUIRY OFFICER FOR COSMOPOLITAN CLUB (REGD.) ASST. REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES SAHAKARA SOUDHA, NO. 146, 3RD FLOOR, 3RD MAIN ROAD, 8TH CROSS, MARGOSA ROAD, MALLESHWARAM BENGALURU 560 003 5. SRI. A.N.K. RAJU S/O A.N. NARAYAN RAJU AGED ABOUT 68 YEARS R/AT NO. 164/A, 20TH MAIN, JP NAGAR, 2ND PHASE BENGALURU 560 078. 6. SRI. RAVI SHANKAR S/O LATE D. SHIVARUDRAPPA AGED ABOUT 67 YEARS R/AT NO. 57, HP SAMAJA ROAD BASAVANAGUDI BENGALURU 560 004. 7. SRI. SREENIVAS G.KAPPANA S/O GIRIYAPPA AGED ABOUT 77 YEARS R/AT NO. 148, 32 A MAIN, ITI COLONY, J.P NAGAR BENGALURU 560 078. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 3 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 8. SRI. Y. K. MUDDUKRISHNA S/O S.KRISHNEGOWDA AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS, R/AT NO.10, 37TH CROSS, 8TH BLOCK, JAYANAGAR, BENGALURU 560 082. 9. MR.N.H.SHARIFF S/O S.M.SHARIFF AGED ABOUT 77 YEARS R/AT NO.5, SOUTH WOODS, NANJAPPA LAY-OUT, AREKERE, BANNERGHATTA ROAD, BENGALURU - 560 078. 10.SRI. T. V. SRIDHARA S/O VENKATACHALAPATHY T. V. AGED ABOUT 73 YEARS R/AT FLAT NO. 724, SHOBA DEWFLOWER, M. G. GARDEN, J.P NAGAR I PHASE BENGALURU 560 078. 11.SRI. K. S. KEDARNATH S/O K. S. SREERAMALU AGED ABOUT 62 YEARS R/AT NO. 292/A, 34TH A CROSS, 9TH MAIN ROAD, 4TH BLOCK JAYANAGARA, BENGALURU 560 011. …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI DEVARAJ C.H., GA FOR R1 TO R3; SRI. JAYAKUMAR S. PATIL., SR. COUNSEL FOR SRI. D. ASWATHAPPA., ADVOCATE FOR R5 TO R10; SRI. B.R. DEEPAK., ADVOCATE FOR R11; R4-SERVED) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR SUCH OTHER WRIT OF APPROPRIATE NATURE Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 4 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 QUASHING THE IMPUGNED NOTICE DATED 18.12.2025 ISSUED BY R4 ENQUIRY OFFICER VIDE NO. DRB-3/SAM. NO/KA LAM25/104/2024-25 AS ANNX-AA AND ETC. THIS WRIT PETITION COMING ON FOR ORDERS AND HAVING BEEN RESERVED FOR ORDERS ON 06.08.2026, THIS DAY, THE COURT PRONOUNCED THE FOLLOWING: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURAJ GOVINDARAJ CAV ORDER 1. The Petitioner is before this Court seeking for the following reliefs: i) Issue writ of certiorari or such other writ of appropriate nature quashing the impugned notice dated 18.12.2025, issued by fourth Respondent enquiry officer, vide No. DRB-3/SAM. NO/KA LAM25/104/2024-25 as Annexure-AA; ii) To issue any such other order/s or direction/s as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit in the facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity. 2. The Petitioner-Club is registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 [‘KSR Act’ for short] on 16.11.1970. The Petitioner is aggrieved by the notice dated 18.12.2025 issued by the Respondent No. 4 -Enquiry Officer initiating an enquiry under Section 25 of the KSR Act, 1960 Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 5 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 25. Enquiry by the Registrar, etc.- (1)The Registrar may on his own motion and shall on the application of the majority of the members of the governing body or of not less than one-third of the members of the society, hold an enquiry or direct some person authorised by him by order in writing in accordance with the rules made in this behalf to hold an enquiry into the constitution, working and financial condition of a registered society. (2)The Registrar or the person authorised by him under sub- section (1) shall have the following powers, namely,— (a)he shall, at all reasonable times, have free access to the books, accounts, documents, securities, cash and other properties belonging to or in the custody of the society and may summon any person in possession or responsible for the custody of any such books, accounts, documents securities, cash or other properties to produce the same at any place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof; (b)he may summon any person who, he has reason to believe, has knowledge of any of the affairs of the society to appear before him at any place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof and may examine such person on oath; (c) (i)he may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any rule or regulation prescribing the period of notice for a general meeting of the society, require the governing body of the society to call a general meeting at such time and place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof and to determine such matters as may be directed by him. If the governing body of the society refuses or fails to call a meeting, he shall have power to call it himself; ii)any meeting called under sub-clause (i) shall have all the powers of a general meeting called under the rules or regulations of the society and its proceedings shall be regulated by such rules or regulations; (iii)when an enquiry is made under this section, the Registrar shall communicate the result of the enquiry to the society concerned. 3. The submission of Sri. Vivek Subbareddy, Learned Senior Counsel appearing for the Petitioner, is that: Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 6 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 3.1. The enquiry has been initiated at the behest of Respondent No. 5, who is one of the members of the Petitioner, who had made allegations as regards the management and conduct of the management of the Petitioner-Club. 3.2. Once earlier an enquiry had been held into the complaint filed, a report was submitted on 24.07.2024. Despite the said report having been submitted, the impugned notice at Annexure-AA dated 18.12.2025 has been issued. There cannot be multiple enquiries which are conducted under Section 25. 3.3. The concerned member of the Club had already filed a Suit in OS No.6688/2024 wherein the following reliefs are sought for: Wherefore, the Plaintiffs above named respectfully prays that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to pass a judgment and decree as follows; i. Declare the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Cosmopolitan Club, Jayanagar, Bengaluru conducted on 05.05.2024 as illegal and void. ii. Declare the election for the period of 2024-26 conducted on 05.05.2024 as illegal and void ab initio. iii. Declare that the order dated 06.05.2024 whereby the Plaintiff No.1's membership was suspended is null and void ab initio. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 7 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 iv. Declare that the order dated 13.06.2024 whereby the Plaintiff No.2's membership was suspended is null and void ab initio. v. Declare that any orders passed and/or decisions taken by the Defendants as null and void. vi. Restrain the Defendants and their agent, henchmen or any other person claiming through them from interfering with the Plaintiffs' enjoyment of the Club benefits as members. vii. Grant cost of the suit. viii. Pass any other relief(s) as this Hon'ble Court deems fit and necessary in the circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity. ix. Declare the Special General Body Meeting of the Defendant No.1 Club conducted on 22.09.2024 as illegal and void. x. Declare that the Order dated 24.09.2024, whereby the Plaintiff No.1's Club membership was terminated, is null and void ab initio. xi. Declare that the order dated 24.09.2024, whereby the Plaintiff No.2's Club membership was terminated, is null and void ab initio. 3.4. By referring to the reliefs afore extracted, he submits that Respondent No. 5 had challenged the validity of the 29th Annual General Meeting, sought for declaration that the election for the period 2024 to 26 was illegal and void ab initio, amongst various other reliefs, which is the very same complaint that he had made to the Registrar. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 8 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 3.5. He submits that the Club had filed a suit in OS No.4104 of 2024 against Respondent No.5 where an order of injunction has been granted restraining Respondent No. 5 from interfering with the possession of the Club premises, associating himself with the day-to-day functioning and overall administration and management of the Club, and using the letterheads, keys and Club seals belonging to the Club which had allegedly been stolen by Respondent No.5. 3.6. He submits that there is one other suit in OS No.8464 of 2024 which had been filed by Respondents No. 7, 8, 9, and 10 seeking a declaration that the Special General Body meeting of the Club held on 22.09.2024 is void ab initio. The amendments made to the Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations, and By-laws approved by the Registrar were illegal and void ab initio. 3.7. His submission is that, there being suits which have been filed which are pending consideration before the appropriate authorities, the very same complaint could not have been filed Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 9 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 before the Registrar and the Registrar appointing an enquiry officer. 3.8. All the issues are pertaining to the internal administration of the Petitioner-Club which is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act. The role of the Registrar is limited under the KSR Act vis-a-vis the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959 and there are no supervisory or superintendent powers vested with the Registrar under the KSR Act. 4. Sri.Jayakumar Patil, learned Senior Counsel appearing for Respondents No.5 to 10 would submit that, 4.1. The Petitioner-Club had once earlier approached this Court by filing WP No.31362 of 2025. This Court, vide order dated 27.10.2025, observing that the enquiry report was initially submitted by the enquiry officer, but, however, the Registrar being of the opinion that the enquiry was not conducted properly had directed further enquiry into certain aspects. The subsequent notice which had been issued in furtherance of further enquiry having been Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 10 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 challenged, this Court did not find any infirmity in the appointment of a fresh enquiry officer, since it is a prerogative of the Registrar to either conduct an enquiry by himself or to appoint any person to pass such an enquiry. 4.2. His submission is that the orders which had been passed on 27.10.2025 in WP No. 31362 of 2025 have been suppressed by the Petitioner. In the present petition, the enquiry which has been initiated in terms of Annexure-AA is in furtherance of the orders of this Court dated 27.10.2025 in WP No.31362/2025. The Petitioner-Club having suppressed these facts, the enquiry is required to go on, and, on that ground, he submits that the writ petition is required to be dismissed. 5. Sri. Devraj, learned AGA appearing for Respondents No.1 to 3 submits that the action taken by the Registrar is proper and correct. The earlier enquiry was in respect of a complaint which had been filed. A preliminary enquiry having been held, the same was not an enquiry under Section 25 of the KSR Act. Now, an enquiry has been ordered under Section 25 of the KSR Act. It is for the Petitioner-Club and the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 11 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 others to participate in the said enquiry. On that ground, he submits that no fault could be found with the issuance of Annexure-AA, and the writ petition is required to be dismissed. 6. Heard Sri. Vivek Subbareddy, learned Senior counsel for Sri.Rajashekhar.S, learned counsel for the Petitioner, Sri.Jayakumar S.Patil, learned Senior counsel for Sri.D.Aswathappa, learned counsel for Respondents No.5 to 10, Sri.Devraj.C.H, learned Govt. Advocate for Respondents No.1 to 3 and Sri.B.R.Deepak, learned counsel for Respondent No.11. Perused papers. 7. The short question that would arise for consideration in the present matter is whether the notice under Section 25 dated 18.12.2025 at Annexure-AA is validly issued, or requires interference at the hands of this Court? 8. 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Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 13 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 4. ನೂತನ ಾಯಾ ಸaLಯು Dೊಸ@ಾZ ಾ&ಂh ಾiೆಯನುB iೆVೆದು ವKಸುL'ರುವ ಬ,ೆc. 5. ಸಂಘದ ೈಾ ಯಮಗಳನುB ಉಲ.ಂjb 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ರಂದು ಾ+ಾನ& Yಾkಕ ಮDಾಸlೆ ಮತು' ಸlೆಯ ಾಯಕಾಪಗಳನುB ನ?ೆbರುವ ಬ,ೆc. 6. ಸಂಘವ_ 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ರಂದು ನ?ೆbರುವ 7Gೇಷ ಾ+ಾನ& ಸlೆ,ೆ ಸದಸ&,ೆ ಕಾಟಕ ಸಂಘಗಳ ೋಂದe ಾEF 1960 ರನ0ಯ ಗOತ ಅವOmಳ,ೆ ೋR ಕಳPKಸ6ರುವ_ದು. Dಾಗೂ ಾನೂನುಾKರYಾZ ಸlೆಯ ಾಯಕಾಪಗಳನುB ನ?ೆbರುವ ಬ,ೆc. 7. ಸಂಘವ_ 6ಾಂಕ: 22-12-2024ರಂದು ಗOಪ$bರುವ Yಾkಕ ಮDಾಸlೆ,ೆ ಸದಸ&,ೆ ೋೕR ನುB ಕಾಟಕ ಸಹಾರ ಸಂಘಗಳ ೋಂದe ಾEF 1960 ರನ0ಯ 21 6ನಗಳ ಮುಂnತYಾZ ಸದಸ&,ೆ LಳPವdೆ ೋೕR ಕಳPKಸ6ರುವ_ದು. 8. ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ;. ಸಂಘವ_ ೈಾ ಮತು' ಾEFಯ ಅವಾಶಗಳನುB ಉಲ.ಂfbರುವ ಪಕರಣಗಳP Dಾಗೂ ಆಡdiಾತSಕ ೋಪ@ೋಷಗಳP ಮತು' ಹಣ ದುರುಪmೕಗಗಳ ಕುತು ಪ\ೕ;b ಸಂಬಂObದವರ 7ರುದH ಜYಾಾF ಗOಪ$ಸುವ_ದು. 9. 7IಾರJಾ ಸಮಯದ;. ಕಂಡು ಬರುವ ಇBತVೆ ೋಪ@ೋಷ / ದುರುಪmೕಗದ ಕೂಲಂಕುಷYಾZ ಪ\ೕ;b ಸಂಬಂObದವರ qೕೆ ಜYಾಾF ಗOಪ$ಸುವ_ದು. ಬ,ೆc 7IಾರJಾಂಶಗd,ೆ ಪrವಕYಾದ @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB ಮತು' ಮS ;sತ DೇdೆಯನುB ಸ;.ಸುವಂiೆ ಉೆ.ೕಖ (2)ರ;. ೕಡಾದ ೋೕR ಗಳ qೕVೆ,ೆ ಉೆ.ೕಖ (4)ರ 6ಾಂಕ: 20- 11-2025ರ;. +ಾKL ೕ$ರುL'ೕ. ಆದVೆ ]ಾವ_@ೇ ಅನುಬಂಧ ೕ$ರುವ_6ಲ.. ಮುಂದುವVೆದು. 6ಾಂಕ: 28-11-2025ರಂದು ೆಲವ_ @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB ಸ;.bರುವ_ದನುB ಕಡತದ qೕೆ iೆ,ೆದುೊಂಡು ಪ\ೕ;bಾZದುF GಾಸನಬದH 7IಾರJೆ,ೆ ಈ ೆಳಕಂಡ @ಾಖಾLಗಳP ಅವಶ&ಕYಾZದುF, ಆVೋಪYಾರು @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB LdಸಾZ@ೆ. ಆೋಪ-1 1. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರನುB ಅವ+ಾತು,ೊdಸಲು ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ, 2. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರನುB ಅವ+ಾತು,ೊdbರುವ ಆ@ೇಶ. 3. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರನುB ಅವ+ಾತು,ೊdಸಾದ ಆ@ೇಶವನುB ]ಾವ_@ಾದರೂ ಾ&]ಾಲಯದ;. ಪ\BbದF;. Dಾಗೂ ]ಾವ_@ಾದರೂ ಮಧ&ಂತರ / ಆ@ೇಶYಾZದF;. ಅದರ ಪL. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 14 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 4. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರನುB ಅವ+ಾತು ಆ@ೇಶವನುB Kಂಪ?ೆ6ದF;. ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 5. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರನುB ಅವ+ಾತು ಆ@ೇಶವನುB Kಂಪ?ೆ6ದF;. ಆ@ೇಶದ ಪL. 6. \ೕ ಎ<.ಷೕt ರವರನುB ಟಂu ಅOಾ]ಾZ ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ರುವ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 7. \ೕ ಎ<.ಷೕt ರವರನುB ಟಂu ಅOಾ]ಾZ ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ರುವ ಆ@ೇಶ. 8.. \ೕ ಎ<.ಷೕt ರವರನುB ಟಂu ಅOಾಯವರು Dೊರ$bರುವ ಚುಾವJಾ YೇoಾಪT. 9. \ೕ ಎ<.ಷೕt ರವರನುB ಟಂu ಅOಾಯು ಚುಾವJೆಯನುB ಮುಂದೂ$ದ ಪತ / ಆ@ೇಶ. 10. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಗO]ಾZದF ಚುಾವJೆ,ೆ ತ]ಾಸಾZದF ಅಹ ಮತ@ಾರರ ಪT. 11. \ೕ ಸಂಜ^ ರವರ ಉqೕದು@ಾರರ ಅN. 12. ಅ?ಾh ಕaಯು ಟಂu ಅOಾ ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ದ ಣಯ. 13.ಅ?ಾh ಕaಯು ಟಂu ಅOಾ ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ದ ಆ@ೇಶ. 14. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇabದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ Dೊರ$bರುವ ಚುಾವJಾ YೇoಾಪT. 15. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇabದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ ಚುಾವJೆ ನ?ೆಸಲು ಬದFYಾZದF ಅಹ ಮತ@ಾರರ ಪT. 16. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ b0ೕಕbದ ಉqೕದು@ಾೆ ಅN / +ಾKL. 17. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ ನ?ೆbದ ಚುಾವJೆಯ;. ಮತ@ಾನYಾZದF 7ವರಗಳP. 18. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇಮಕ +ಾ$ದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ ನ?ೆbದ ಚುಾವJೆಯ;. ಉqೕದು@ಾರರು ಗdbದF ಮತಗಳ 7ವರ. 19. ಅ?ಾh ಕa ೇaಕ +ಾ$ದ ಟಂu ಅOಾ ನ?ೆbದ ಚುಾವJೆಯ ನಂತರ ಚುಾವJಾ ಪwE ನಂತರ ]ಾ,ೆ ಚುಾವJಾ @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB ಪlಾರ ವKbರುiಾ'Vೆ ಪlಾರ ಪT. ಆೋಪ-2 1. \ೕ ರ7ಶಂಕ2, ಾಯದ\ ಇವರನುB ಅ+ಾನತು +ಾಡಲು ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 2. \ೕ ರ7ಶಂಕ2, ಾಯದ\ ಇವರನುB ಅ+ಾನತು +ಾಡಾದ ಆ@ೇಶ. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 15 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 3. \ೕ ರ7ಶಂಕ2, ಾಯದ\ ಇವರನುB ಅ+ಾನತು +ಾಡುವ ಮುನB ಅವರ qೕ;ನ ಆVೋಪಗd,ೆ ೕಡಾದ ೋೕR ಪL. 4. ಈ. \ೕ ರ7ಶಂಕ2, ಾಯದ\ ಇವರನುB ಅ+ಾನತು +ಾಡುವ ಮುನB ಅವರ qೕ;ನ ಆVೋಪಗd,ೆ ಆVೋjತರು DೇdೆಗಳನುB ಏಾದರೂ ೕ$ದF;. ಅದರ ಪL. 5. \ೕ ರ7ಶಂಕ2, ಾಯದ\ ಇವರನುB ಅ+ಾನತು +ಾ$ದ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd 7ವರ, ಆೋಪ-3 1. ೈಾ LದುFಪ$,ೆ ಪ ಾ'jbದ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 2. ಎ.N.ಎಂ. / ೆTೕಷ< ಎ.N.ಎಂ ೋೕR ೕ$ರುವ ಸದಸ&ರ ಪT. 3. ಎ.N.ಎಂ. / ೆTೕಷ< ಎ.N.ಎಂ ೋೕR ೕ$ರುವ ಸದಸ&,ೆ ೋೕR ಅಂIೆ /ಮು@ಾF ಮೂಲಕ ೋೕR yಾ +ಾ$ದ b0ೕಕೃL 4. ಎ.N.ಎಂ. / ೆTೕಷ< ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನಡವd. 5. ಎ.N.ಎಂ. / ೆTೕಷ< ಎ.N.ಎಂ ,ೆ DಾಜVಾದ DಾಜVಾL. ಆೋಪ-4 1. Dೊಸ@ಾZ ಾ&ಂh ಾiೆ iೆVೆಯಲು ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 2. Dೊಸ@ಾZ ಾ&ಂh ಾiೆ iೆVೆಯಲು ಾ&ಂw,ೆ Dಾಜರುಪ$bರುವ ಎಾ. @ಾಖಾLಗಳP. 3. Dೊಸ ಾiೆಯ ಾR ಪ_ಸ'ಕ ಮತು' ೆಡ*2 ಅ= ಾ{hT ಆೋಪ-5 1. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಎ.N.ಎಂ ಗOಪ$ಸಲು ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 2. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಎ.N.ಎಂ ಗOಪ$bದ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡdಯ ಪT. 3. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಎ.N.ಎಂ ,ೆ ತ]ಾಸಾದ ಸದಸ&ರ ಪT. ಮತು' ಅವ,ೆ ೋೕR ಕಳPKbದ b0ೕಕೃL. 4. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನುB ಮುಂದೂ$ದ ಪತ / ಆ@ೇಶ. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 16 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 5. 6ಾಂಕ: 05-05-2024ೆ: ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನುB ಮುಂದೂ$ದ ಸlೆ,ೆ ಅಧ&|iೆಯನುB ವKbದವರ 7ವರ. ಆೋಪ-6 ಮತು 7 1. 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ೆ: 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನ?ೆಸಲು Lೕ+ಾbದ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಣಯ. 2. 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ೆ: 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನ?ೆಸಲು ಸದಸ&,ೆ ೕಡಾದ ೋೕR ನ ಪL ಮತು' ಸದಸ&,ೆ ೋೕR yಾ +ಾ$ರುವ b0ೕಕೃL. 3. 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ೆ: 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನ?ೆಸಲು ತ]ಾಸಾದ ಸದಸ&ರ ಪT. 4. 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ೆ: ನ?ೆದ 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನಡವdಗಳP. 5. 6ಾಂಕ: 22-09-2024ೆ: ನ?ೆದ 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನ;. DಾಜVಾದ ಸದಸ&ರ @ಾಖೆ ಆೋಪ-8 1. ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ಮತು' 7Gೇಷ ಎ.N.ಎಂ ನಡವdಗಳP. 2. ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ ಆಡdತ ಮಂಡd ಪT. 3. ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ ಾ&ೆ<} bೕ~. 4. ಕ.= ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ;. ವ&ವDಾರ ನ$bರುವ ಎಾ. ಾR ಪ_ಸ'ಕಗಳP ಮತು' ೆಕ•2 ಎಾ{hT 5. ಕoೆದ 03 ವಷಗಳ ನಗದು ಪ_ಸ'ಕ. qೕ;ನ @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB 6ಾಂಕ: 29-12-2025ರಂದು ೆd,ೆc 11.00 ಗಂ€ೆ,ೆ ಈ ಕೇಯ;. ಗO]ಾZರುವ 7IಾರJೆ,ೆ ಖುದುF DಾಜVಾZ @ಾಖಾLಗಳನುB ಸ;.ಸಲು ಸೂnb@ೆ. ಈ ೋೕR ನುB 6ಾಂಕ: 18-12-2025 ರಂದು ನನB ಸKmಂ6,ೆ ೕಡಾZ@ೆ. (ಎ<. ಲ|•ಣ) 7IಾರJಾOಾ ಾ ೊTೕಾ;ಟ< ಕ.=, ೆಂಗಳರು ಮತು' ಸಹಾರ ಸಂಘಗಳ ಸDಾಯಕ ಬಂಧಕರು Dಾಗೂ ೇಂದ ಾ‚ಕ ಸDಾಯಕರು ಸಹಾರ ಸಂಘಗಳ ಜಂ ಬಂಧಕರ ಕೇ, Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 17 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 ೆಂಗಳರು ಾಂತ, ೆಂಗಳರು ರವ,ೆ, ಾಯದ\, ಾ ೊTೕಾ; ಟ< ಕ.=, ೆಂಗಳರು 22ೇ ಾR, 3ೇ ಾ.h, ಜಯನಗರ, ೆಂಗಳರು -560 011. 9. A perusal of the charges extracted hereinabove makes it evident that the subject matter of the proposed enquiry substantially pertains to the internal administration and day-to-day functioning of the Club. The allegations relate to matters such as appointment and suspension of office-bearers, conduct of elections, amendment of the bye-laws, opening of bank accounts, convening and conduct of general and special general meetings, issuance of notices to members, maintenance of books of account and other matters concerning the management of the affairs of the Club. The material placed before the Court indicates that the proceedings originated from grievances raised by certain members who were aggrieved by, or did not accept, decisions taken in the course of such administration. The Registrar, acting upon those grievances, considered it appropriate to invoke the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 18 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 power of statutory enquiry under Section 25 of the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. 10. The question that consequently arises is whether the nature and scope of the allegations set out in the notice dated 18.12.2025 fall within the statutory ambit of Section 25 and, in particular, whether the provision can be invoked for examining what are essentially disputes concerning the internal administration, management and functioning of a registered society, in the absence of a demonstrated statutory infraction or other circumstance attracting the jurisdiction conferred by the provision. 11. Section 25 of the KSR Act is reproduced hereunder for easy reference: 25. Enquiry by the Registrar, etc.- (1)The Registrar may on his own motion and shall on the application of the majority of the members of the governing body or of not less than one-third of the members of the society, hold an enquiry or direct some person authorised by him by order in writing in accordance with the rules made in this behalf to hold an enquiry into the constitution, working and financial condition of a registered society. (2)The Registrar or the person authorised by him under sub- section (1) shall have the following powers, namely,— (a)he shall, at all reasonable times, have free access to the books, accounts, documents, securities, cash and other properties belonging to or in the custody of the society and may summon any person in possession or responsible for the custody of any such books, accounts, documents securities, Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 19 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 cash or other properties to produce the same at any place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof; (b)he may summon any person who, he has reason to believe, has knowledge of any of the affairs of the society to appear before him at any place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof and may examine such person on oath; (c) (i)he may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any rule or regulation prescribing the period of notice for a general meeting of the society, require the governing body of the society to call a general meeting at such time and place at the headquarters of the society or any branch thereof and to determine such matters as may be directed by him. If the governing body of the society refuses or fails to call a meeting, he shall have power to call it himself;( ii)any meeting called under sub-clause (i) shall have all the powers of a general meeting called under the rules or regulations of the society and its proceedings shall be regulated by such rules or regulations; (iii)when an enquiry is made under this section, the Registrar shall communicate the result of the enquiry to the society concerned. 12. Section 25 of the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, provides for an enquiry by the Registrar into the affairs of a registered society. Sub-section (1) confers power upon the Registrar to hold an enquiry, either on his own motion or upon an application made by the majority of the members of the governing body or by not less than one-third of the members of the society, into the constitution, working and financial condition of the registered society. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 20 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 13. Where an application is made by the requisite number of members specified in the provision, the Registrar is bound to hold the enquiry. However, where the Registrar acts on his own motion, the exercise of the power is discretionary. 14. The expression “on his own motion” occurring in Section 25(1) assumes significance. The mere receipt of a complaint or representation by the Registrar does not, by itself, compel the Registrar to institute an enquiry. Where a complaint is received from a person or persons who do not constitute the statutory proportion of members contemplated under Section 25(1), the Registrar is required to consider the complaint and apply his mind to the allegations made therein and to the material placed before him. If, upon such consideration, the Registrar is satisfied that the circumstances warrant an enquiry into the constitution, working or financial condition of the society, he may treat the matter as one warranting exercise of his suo motu jurisdiction and initiate an enquiry. The statutory discretion must, therefore, be exercised upon application of mind to the material before the Registrar and cannot be treated as an automatic consequence of the filing of a complaint. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 21 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 15. This distinction assumes importance in the present case. A registered society under the KSR Act is regulated by the provisions of the Act and the rules framed thereunder, as well as by its memorandum, articles and bye-laws, insofar as applicable. The statutory scheme governing a society registered under the KSR Act is materially different from that governing a co-operative society under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959. The latter contains an elaborate regulatory framework governing the constitution, management, elections, functioning and financial affairs of co-operative societies and confers correspondingly extensive supervisory and regulatory powers upon the authorities under that enactment. The powers of the Registrar under the KSR Act have to be understood within the more limited statutory framework created by that enactment. 16. Section 25 does not confer upon the Registrar a general supervisory jurisdiction over every decision taken by a registered society or its governing body. The jurisdiction under the provision is specifically structured around an enquiry into the “constitution, working and financial condition” of the registered society. The powers conferred under sub-section (2), Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 22 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 including access to books and accounts, summoning of persons and documents, examination on oath and, in appropriate circumstances, requiring or convening a general meeting, are ancillary to and intended to facilitate such an enquiry. They do not, by themselves, create an independent jurisdiction in the Registrar to adjudicate every dispute arising between individual members or between a member and the governing body. 17. Consequently, a distinction has to be maintained between, on the one hand, matters which disclose a question concerning the constitution, working or financial condition of the society and, on the other, purely inter se disputes between members or disputes concerning the validity of individual decisions taken in the course of the internal administration of the society. The mere allegation that a particular member has been suspended, that an office-bearer has been appointed or removed, that a particular general meeting was improperly convened, or that a decision of the governing body is contrary to the bye-laws, does not, without more, necessarily attract the jurisdiction under Section 25. The substance and effect of the allegations, and their Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 23 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 nexus with the statutory purposes of an enquiry under Section 25, would have to be examined. 18. The bye-laws of a society constitute the framework governing its internal administration and regulate, inter alia, the relationship between its members, the governing body and the office-bearers. Where a dispute is essentially founded upon an alleged breach of such bye-laws and concerns the private or inter se rights of members, the ordinary remedy would usually lie before the competent civil forum, subject of course to any specific statutory remedy available in the circumstances. The existence of the power of enquiry under Section 25 cannot, therefore, be construed as converting the Registrar into an adjudicatory forum for all disputes arising out of the internal affairs of the society. 19. This Court has, for that reason, ordinarily exercised restraint in matters concerning the internal management of registered societies and has left parties claiming to be aggrieved by decisions of the society to pursue the remedies available before the competent civil court or other forum having jurisdiction. The supervisory jurisdiction of this Court under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution is Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 24 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 likewise not intended to substitute itself for such remedies in matters which essentially involve disputed questions concerning the internal affairs of a society. 20. The principal question which arises for consideration is not whether the Registrar has power to enquire into the affairs of a society. Section 25 of the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 (“KSR Act”) undoubtedly confers such a power. The question is how that power can be exercised and where its limits lie. 21. Section 25(1) provides that the Registrar may, on his own motion, and shall on an application made by the majority of the members of the governing body or by not less than one-third of the members of the society, hold an enquiry, or direct a person authorised by him to hold an enquiry, into the constitution, working and financial condition of a registered society. 22. Thus, there are different ways in which the jurisdiction may be invoked. Where the statutory requisition is made by the requisite majority of the governing body or by not less than one-third of the members, the Registrar is required to hold an Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 25 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 enquiry. Where the Registrar acts on his own motion, the power is discretionary. The receipt of a complaint or representation may provide the information on the basis of which the Registrar decides to act suo motu. But the complaint itself does not automatically require an enquiry. 23. The distinction is important. When the Registrar proposes to act suo motu on the basis of a complaint, he must independently consider the material placed before him and form an opinion that an enquiry into the constitution, working or financial condition of the society is warranted. He cannot proceed on the assumption that every complaint relating to the internal affairs of a society requires a Section 25 enquiry. Information received from another person may be the starting point, but the decision to invoke the suo motu power must be the Registrar's own decision, supported by application of mind. 24. Section 25(2) then gives the Registrar or the authorised Enquiry Officer the powers necessary to conduct the enquiry. These include access to the books, accounts and other documents of the society, power to summon persons having custody of such Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 26 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 records and power to summon and examine persons who are believed to have knowledge of the affairs of the society. The Registrar can therefore make a meaningful examination of the affairs of a society. The power is not merely administrative in the narrow sense. 25. At the same time, these powers have to be read with the purpose for which they are conferred. Section 25 is not a general provision empowering the Registrar to decide every dispute which arises within a society. The words “constitution, working and financial condition” cannot be treated as an unrestricted source of jurisdiction over all disputes between members or rival groups. 26. There is, therefore, a distinction between examining the working of a society and adjudicating a dispute between persons concerning their rights in the society. The former may fall within Section 25. The latter may require adjudication before the competent civil court. 27. This distinction assumes particular importance in the case of Clubs and similar societies. The relationship between the society and its members, and the rights and obligations of the members inter se, are Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 27 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 governed by the Act, the memorandum and the bye- laws of the society. A dispute as to whether a particular member was properly suspended, whether a person was validly elected or co-opted, whether a particular group is entitled to control the governing body, or whether a particular resolution is legally binding may require adjudication of civil rights. 28. The Registrar may examine whether the society has maintained the records required by law, whether meetings are being conducted in accordance with the statutory requirements, whether accounts are properly maintained, and whether there are financial irregularities or other matters affecting the working of the society. But he cannot, merely because those questions arise in the background of the society's affairs, assume the role of a civil court and finally determine competing private claims. 29. The manner in which the present proceedings came to be initiated is also relevant. According to the affidavit filed on behalf of the Respondents, a representation was made on 14.05.2024 before the Ministry of Co-operation by certain members and the President of the Club. The representation was thereafter forwarded by the Minister to the Registrar Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 28 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 of Co-operative Societies by communication dated 17.05.2024. The matter was then delegated for further action. It is stated that the records were verified, objections of the Committee were considered, and a status report was placed by the Joint Registrar. 30. The sequence assumes significance because the material placed before the Court does not sufficiently demonstrate an independent application of mind by the Registrar at the stage of deciding to invoke Section 25. More importantly, what commenced as a representation by members appears, in substantial part, to have developed into an examination of disputes between members concerning the internal management of the Club. 31. Thereafter, an order dated 23.09.2025 was passed and notices were issued on 24.09.2025, 08.10.2025 and 28.10.2025. The Club submitted representations dated 31.10.2025, 20.11.2025 and 28.11.2025. This culminated in the notice dated 18.12.2025. 32. The notice dated 18.12.2025 refers to nine “charges” or matters for enquiry. It also calls for a large volume of documents from the Club. The nature of the documents demanded is significant because the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 29 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 documents sought indicate what the Registrar proposes to determine. 33. The nine matters broadly concern: the suspension and subsequent appointment of Mr. Sanjay M.R.; the suspension of the earlier Secretary, Mr. Ravishankar; amendment of the bye-laws; opening of a new bank account; the AGM dated 05.05.2024; the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024; the AGM proposed for 22.12.2024; the affairs and finances of the Club during the preceding three years; and other irregularities which may come to light during the enquiry. 34. The notice therefore needs to be examined not merely by looking at the labels attached to these matters as “charges”. The substance of each charge, the documents demanded and the nature of the finding which the Registrar would have to make must be considered. 35. The position becomes clearer when the charges in the notice dated 18.12.2025 are compared with the reliefs sought in the civil suits already instituted between the parties. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 30 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 36. OS No. 8464/2024 having been filed by Respondent No.7 to 10 wherein the following reliefs have been sought for: i. Declare that the Special General Body Meeting of Defendant No. 1 Club convened by Defendant Nos. 2 to 13 on 22.09.2024 is illegal and void ab initio. ii. Declare that the amendments to the 'Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations and Bye-laws' of the Defendant No.1 Club approved by the Defendant Nos. 2 to 13 in the Special General Body Meeting conducted on 22.09.2024 is illegal and void ab initio. iii. Declare that the order dated 18.10.2024 issued by Defendant No.3 on behalf of the Defendant No. 1 Club, suspending the Plaintiff No.1's primary membership is illegal, null and void ab initio. iv. Declare that the order dated 18.10.2024 issued by Defendant No.3 on behalf of the Defendant No. 1 Club, suspending the Plaintiff No.2's primary membership is illegal, null and void ab initio. v. Declare that the order dated 18.10.2024 issued by Defendant No.3 on behalf of the Defendant No. 1 Club, suspending the Plaintiff No.3's primary membership is illegal, null and void ab initio. vi. Declare that the order dated 18.10.2024 issued by Defendant No.3 on behalf of the Defendant No. 1 Club, suspending the Plaintiff No.4's primary membership is illegal, null and void ab initio. vii. Grant costs of this suit. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 31 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 viii. Pass any other relief(s) as this Hon'ble Court deems fit and necessary in the circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity. 37. In O.S. No.1854/2026, the plaintiff has sought: (i) a declaration that the co-option of Mr. Sanjay M.R. as Honorary Secretary is illegal and void; (ii) a declaration that his continued functioning as Honorary Secretary after the AGM is illegal and contrary to Bye-law No.9(C)(iii); and (iii) a permanent injunction restraining him from acting as or representing himself as the Honorary Secretary of the Club. 38. These pleadings are important because they show that the civil court is already seized of disputes concerning the validity of the Special General Body Meeting, the validity of amendments to the bye-laws and the entitlement of Mr. Sanjay M.R. to function as Honorary Secretary. 39. This Court has therefore compared each of the nine matters in the notice with the reliefs sought in the suits. 40. Charge No.1 — Mr. Sanjay M.R., his suspension, appointment and election: Charge No.1 concerns the fact that Mr. Sanjay M.R. was suspended and was Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 32 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 thereafter appointed/reappointed as Secretary. But the Registrar has gone considerably beyond merely calling for the order of appointment. 41. The Registrar has called for the resolution and order relating to his suspension, details of any proceedings before a court, any order withdrawing the suspension, the resolution appointing the Returning Officer, the election schedule, postponement of the election, eligible voters' lists, Mr. Sanjay M.R.'s nomination, the appointment of a Returning Officer by the Ad hoc Committee, nomination papers, voting details, votes secured by the candidates and the handing over of election records. 42. The charge therefore involves examination of the entire process by which Mr. Sanjay M.R. came to occupy the office and continued to function in that office. 43. This substantially overlaps with O.S. No.1854/2026. The very relief sought in that suit is a declaration that the co-option of Mr. Sanjay M.R. as Honorary Secretary is illegal and void, a further declaration that his continued functioning is contrary to the bye- laws and an injunction restraining him from functioning as Honorary Secretary. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 33 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 44. Thus, to decide Charge No.1, the Registrar would necessarily have to consider whether Mr. Sanjay M.R. was validly brought into office and whether he is legally entitled to continue in that office. Those are precisely the questions placed before the civil court. 45. The Registrar may, of course, examine records relating to the working of the Club. But he cannot use the enquiry to decide whether the co-option, election or continuation of a particular individual in office is legally valid when that very question is pending before the competent civil court. 46. Charge No.2 — Suspension of Mr. Ravishankar: Charge No.2 concerns the alleged illegal suspension of the previous Secretary, Mr. Ravishankar. The Registrar has called for the resolution of suspension, the suspension order, the notice containing the allegations, any explanation given by Mr. Ravishankar and details of the governing body which took the decision. 47. There is no identical relief concerning Mr. Ravishankar's suspension in O.S. No.1854/2026 or O.S. No.8464/2024. The two suits, on their face, do not specifically seek a declaration concerning his suspension. Consequently, Charge No.2 does not Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 34 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 have the same direct overlap with the pending suits as Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6. 48. This, however, does not mean that the Registrar can adjudicate the private rights arising from the suspension. If the enquiry is confined to whether the Club's internal administration complied with the applicable statutory and bye-law requirements, the Registrar may examine the matter to that extent. If he is required to decide whether Mr. Ravishankar's suspension was legally valid as between him and the Club, the matter would enter the field of civil adjudication. 49. Charge No.3 — Amendment of the bye-laws: Charge No.3 alleges that the bye-laws were amended in violation of Section 10 of the KSR Act. The Registrar has called for the resolution proposing the amendment, the list of members to whom notice was issued, proof of service of notice, the proceedings of the meeting and the attendance records. 50. This charge has a direct and substantial correspondence with O.S. No.8464/2024. Relief (ii) in that suit specifically seeks a declaration that the amendments to the Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations and Bye-laws approved at the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 35 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024 are illegal and void ab initio. 51. The questions whether the amendments were properly proposed, whether notice was given, whether the requisite members were present, whether the meeting was properly convened and whether the amendments could validly be approved are substantially the same questions which arise in the civil suit. 52. The documents demanded under Charge No.3 are also the very documents which would be relied upon in deciding that civil dispute. Charge No.3 therefore substantially enters the field already occupied by the civil court. 53. Charge No.4 — New bank account: Charge No.4 concerns the opening and operation of a new bank account by the newly constituted Executive Committee. The Registrar has called for the resolution authorising the opening of the account, the documents submitted to the bank and the passbook and ledger abstract. 54. There is no specific relief in either O.S. No.8464/2024 or O.S. No.1854/2026 concerning the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 36 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 validity of the new bank account. There is therefore no direct overlap between this charge and the reliefs expressly sought in those suits. 55. This matter can, in an appropriate case, fall within Section 25. Examination of the financial affairs and bank transactions of a society is within the statutory field of the Registrar. The Registrar must nevertheless be careful about the basis on which the account is being examined. If the enquiry concerns the actual operation of the account, the transactions made through it and the financial condition of the Club, it may legitimately fall within Section 25. If the enquiry is instead used to decide which rival group or office-bearer was legally entitled to operate the account, the Registrar would necessarily have to decide the underlying dispute concerning the validity of the governing body. That is a different matter. 56. Charge No.5 — AGM dated 05.05.2024: Charge No.5 alleges that the AGM dated 05.05.2024 was convened or conducted in violation of the bye-laws. The Registrar has called for the resolution fixing the date of the AGM, the relevant governing body list, the membership list, proof of service of notices, the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 37 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 communication postponing the AGM and particulars of the person who presided over the meeting. 57. Neither O.S. No.8464/2024 nor O.S. No.1854/2026 contains an express prayer seeking a declaration that the AGM dated 05.05.2024 is illegal or void. There is therefore no direct overlap between this charge and the reliefs expressly sought in those suits. 58. There may nevertheless be a factual connection between the AGM dated 05.05.2024 and the subsequent disputes concerning the constitution of the management, the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024, the amendments to the bye-laws and the status of Mr. Sanjay M.R. 59. The Registrar may examine whether the Club complied with the statutory and bye-law requirements in conducting the AGM. But the enquiry cannot be extended to determining private rights which depend upon the validity of matters already pending before the civil court. 60. Charge No.6 — Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024: Charge No.6 alleges that the members were not given the prescribed notice for the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024 and that the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 38 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 proceedings of that meeting were illegal. The Registrar has called for the resolution convening the meeting, the notices and proof of service, the membership list, the proceedings and the attendance records. 61. This charge directly corresponds with relief (i) in O.S. No.8464/2024, which seeks a declaration that the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024 is illegal and void ab initio. 62. The civil court will therefore have to consider whether the meeting was properly convened, whether the prescribed notice was given, whether the members were entitled to participate and whether the proceedings conducted at the meeting are legally valid. 63. Those are substantially the same questions which the Registrar proposes to examine under Charge No.6. The documents demanded are also the documents upon which the validity of the meeting would be determined. 64. Charge No.6 consequently involves a direct and substantial overlap with the pending civil proceedings. The Registrar cannot undertake a Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 39 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 parallel adjudication of the validity of the meeting under the guise of a Section 25 enquiry. 65. Charge No.7 — AGM proposed for 22.12.2024: Charge No.7 alleges that the prescribed 21 days' notice was not given for the AGM proposed to be held on 22.12.2024. 66. No corresponding relief concerning the AGM dated 22.12.2024 is specifically sought in O.S. No.8464/2024 or O.S. No.1854/2026. There is therefore no direct overlap of the kind seen in Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6. 67. The Registrar may, if otherwise justified, examine whether the Club complied with the statutory and bye-law requirements concerning the AGM. But the enquiry must remain confined to the statutory purpose. It cannot be used indirectly to determine competing claims to management or office which are before the civil court. 68. Charge No.8 — Three years' administration and finances: Charge No.8 concerns the working of the Club during the preceding three years, alleged violations of the Act and bye-laws, administrative lapses and alleged misappropriation. The Registrar Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 40 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 has called for the AGM and Special AGM proceedings, governing body lists, balance sheets, bank passbooks, ledger abstracts and cash books. 69. There is no corresponding relief in either of the two suits seeking an enquiry into the financial condition of the Club for the preceding three years, production of its books of account or determination of alleged misappropriation. Charge No.8 therefore stands on a different footing from Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6. 70. Indeed, this is an area in which Section 25 has a clear role to play. The financial condition of the society is expressly within Section 25(1), and Section 25(2)(a) enables the Registrar to call for books, accounts, bank records, cash and other documents. 71. The Registrar should, however, define the matters which are actually being examined. Words such as “administrative lapses”, “misappropriation” and “violations” cannot, by themselves, be used as open- ended expressions to create an unrestricted power to examine every act of the management. 72. A genuine enquiry into financial irregularities is different from an enquiry into who is entitled to Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 41 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 control the Club. The former may fall within Section 25; the latter may require adjudication of civil rights. 73. Charge No.9 — Other irregularities: Charge No.9 proposes to examine any other irregularity or misuse which may come to light during the enquiry and to fix responsibility upon the persons concerned. 74. There is no direct corresponding relief in either of the two suits. But the breadth of the charge requires caution. 75. A Section 25 enquiry cannot begin with a defined statutory purpose and then become a general investigation into every grievance which may arise during the proceedings. If another matter comes to light in the course of a lawful enquiry, it can be examined if it itself falls within the constitution, working or financial condition of the society. But Charge No.9 cannot be treated as an independent source of unlimited jurisdiction. 76. The overall position: The above comparison leads to a clear distinction. Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6 have a direct and substantial overlap with the reliefs pending before the civil court: Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 42 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 77. Charge No.1 substantially overlaps with O.S. No.1854/2026 concerning the status and continued functioning of Mr. Sanjay M.R. as Honorary Secretary. 78. Charge No.3 directly overlaps with relief (ii) in O.S. No.8464/2024 concerning the validity of the amendments to the bye-laws. 79. Charge No.6 directly overlaps with relief (i) in O.S. No.8464/2024 concerning the validity of the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024. 80. Charges Nos.2, 4, 5 and 7 do not disclose the same direct overlap. They may, depending upon the manner in which they are examined, concern the statutory working or financial condition of the Club and therefore fall within the statutory field of Section 25. 81. Charge No.8, insofar as it concerns the financial condition, accounts, alleged misappropriation and administrative functioning of the Club falls within the statutory field. The Registrar is not to be prevented from carrying out a genuine financial enquiry merely because disputes between members are pending before the civil court. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 43 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 82. Charge No.9 cannot, however, be permitted to enlarge the enquiry beyond the limits of Section 25. 83. The distinction may be stated simply. The Registrar may examine whether the Club is functioning in accordance with law. He cannot, under the same power, decide which member or group has the better civil right. 84. Civil proceedings and Section 25 enquiry: It is also necessary to clarify that the mere pendency of a civil suit does not automatically prevent the Registrar from exercising his statutory powers. If the Registrar is examining the financial condition of the society or a genuine aspect of its statutory working, the existence of a civil proceeding concerning another matter does not take away his jurisdiction. Equally, a party cannot prevent a statutory authority from performing a function which the Legislature has expressly entrusted to it merely by filing a civil suit. 85. The difficulty arises where the substance of the proposed enquiry is the same dispute which is already before the civil court. The Registrar cannot derive jurisdiction to adjudicate that dispute merely because the dispute concerns the “working” of the society. If the determination requires him to decide Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 44 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 competing civil rights, the matter must be left to the competent civil court. 86. This distinction is particularly important in election and management disputes. The Registrar cannot assume the role of a civil court or election tribunal, annul an election, order a fresh election or decide competing claims to management under the guise of a Section 25 enquiry. 87. The Registrar's powers to call for documents and examine persons are intended to enable him to conduct the statutory enquiry. They do not convert the enquiry into a trial in which rival parties' civil rights are finally determined. 88. Re-enquiry and repeated proceedings: This Court has also come across several matters in which disputes between members of Clubs have resulted in proceedings under Section 25. In some cases, after an enquiry report is submitted, the Registrar has not accepted the report and has directed a further enquiry or re-enquiry. 89. There is nothing inherently wrong in a further enquiry where the statute permits it and the Registrar considers that the material before him is Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 45 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 insufficient. The enquiry is not necessarily concluded merely because the first report has been submitted. The Registrar may, within the statutory scheme, require further examination before accepting the report. But the power to order a further enquiry does not enlarge the subject matter of the original enquiry. A second enquiry is still an enquiry under Section 25. It must remain within the limits of the Act. 90. Repeated invocation of the Registrar's jurisdiction in Club disputes: There is a broader concern which also needs to be noticed. This Court has, of late, come across several matters where members of Clubs have approached the Registrar concerning membership, internal management and similar disputes. Proceedings have thereafter been initiated under Section 25. Matters concerning the Bowring Club, present Cosmopolitan Club, Indiranagar Club, Nagarbhavi Club, Sadashivanagar Club, Vijayanagara Club etc., are among the matters which have come before this Court. 91. The Court is not called upon in the present proceedings to decide the merits of those other matters; they would be decided separately. Their Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 46 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 recurrence, however, indicates the need to clearly state the limits within which Section 25 should be exercised. 92. The Court also takes note of the allegations sometimes made regarding the status, influence or political connections of members of Clubs. Those considerations cannot determine the jurisdiction of the Registrar. Whether a member is influential, holds public office or is alleged to have political connections is irrelevant. The Registrar has to act according to the statute and not according to the identity or position of the person who approaches him or the person against whom the complaint is made. 93. If a member claims that another member has violated the bye-laws and seeks a declaration, injunction or other relief concerning his private rights, that dispute may have to be taken before the competent civil court. The Registrar's office cannot become another forum for settling such private disputes. 94. In the present case, the problem is more apparent because the members have adopted parallel proceedings. Substantially similar issues have been placed before the civil court and before the Registrar. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 47 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 The Registrar's office cannot be used by one group of members to secure, through a statutory enquiry, a determination of its private dispute with another group. 95. Learned Senior Counsel has also relied upon the order dated 27.10.2025 passed in W.P. No.31362/2025, where this Court had declined to interfere with the continuation of the enquiry. 96. That order was passed on the material and circumstances placed before the Court at that time. The pendency of O.S. Nos.6688/2024, 8464/2024 and 4104/2024 had not been brought to the notice of the Court. The Court therefore directed the enquiry to proceed. 97. The position is different now. The pending suits and the reliefs sought therein have been brought to the notice of the Court, and those reliefs have been compared with the individual charges contained in the notice dated 18.12.2025. 98. On that comparison, it is clear that at least Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6 substantially correspond with matters which are already pending adjudication before the Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 48 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 civil court. The present consideration is therefore on a materially fuller factual basis than the earlier order. 99. Need for restraint by the Registrar: The Court is conscious that the Registrar has an important statutory function. Section 25 is not an empty or ornamental provision. It provides a mechanism by which the State can examine the constitution, working and financial condition of registered societies. Genuine financial irregularities, misuse of society funds, serious administrative deficiencies and statutory violations cannot be ignored merely because they arise within a society whose members are also engaged in private disputes. 100. At the same time, the existence of that statutory power cannot be used to justify intervention in every disagreement between members. 101. The Registrar must therefore keep a clear distinction between two situations. In the first, there is an allegation that the society's affairs are not being conducted in accordance with the Act or its governing documents, or that its finances require examination. That is a proper subject for consideration under Section 25, subject of course to the other requirements of law. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 49 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 102. In the second, there is a dispute between two persons or groups as to who is entitled to membership, who is entitled to hold office, whether a particular election or co-option is valid, whether a particular suspension is lawful, or which group is entitled to control the governing body. Such a dispute may arise out of the bye-laws, but that does not by itself make it a Section 25 dispute. If its determination requires adjudication of private civil rights, the parties must approach the competent court. 103. The Registrar should therefore not allow the statutory process to be used as a substitute for a civil suit. Nor should members be permitted to use the Registrar's office to obtain indirectly what they are seeking directly from the civil court. General directions 104. In view of the above, and having regard to the recurring nature of such proceedings, the following general principles shall guide the exercise of power under Section 25: 104.1. The Registrar shall exercise power strictly within the purposes of Section 25, namely, Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 50 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 enquiry into the constitution, working and financial condition of the registered society. 104.2. Where information or a complaint is received from a member or any other person, the Registrar may consider that information. However, where the proposed enquiry is suo motu, the Registrar must independently apply his mind and satisfy himself that an enquiry under Section 25 is warranted. The complaint should not automatically become the enquiry. 104.3. The subject matter of the enquiry should be identified with reasonable clarity. The notice should indicate what aspect of the constitution, working or financial condition of the society is proposed to be examined. 104.4. The powers under Section 25(2) to call for records, accounts and documents and to summon and examine persons may be used where necessary for a lawful statutory enquiry. Those powers, however, are ancillary to the statutory enquiry and do not confer the jurisdiction of a civil court. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 51 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 104.5. The Registrar shall not adjudicate private disputes between members or rival groups where determination of the dispute requires adjudication of civil rights. This would include, depending upon the facts of the case, disputes concerning membership, suspension of individual members, entitlement to hold a particular office, validity of an election or co- option, or competing claims to control the governing body. 104.6. Where an election or management dispute is already pending before a competent civil court, the Registrar shall not undertake a parallel adjudication of the same issue under Section 25. 104.7. The pendency of a civil suit shall not, by itself, prevent a genuine enquiry into the financial condition or statutory working of the society. The Registrar may continue such enquiry so long as he does not enter upon the adjudication of the civil rights which are pending before the court. 104.8. Financial irregularities, misappropriation and improper use of society funds may properly be Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 52 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 examined under Section 25. The Registrar shall, however, identify the financial or administrative issue under examination and shall not use such enquiry as a means of deciding rival claims to office or management. 104.9. The power to order a further enquiry or re- enquiry, where permissible, does not enlarge the jurisdiction under Section 25. Every further enquiry must remain within the statutory field. 104.10. A general clause permitting examination of “other irregularities” or matters discovered during enquiry cannot be treated as conferring unlimited jurisdiction. Any additional matter must independently fall within the subject matter contemplated by Section 25. 104.11. The Registrar would therefore be well advised to exercise this power with care, particularly in disputes concerning Clubs. The fact that the affairs of a Club are involved does not mean that every dispute between its members becomes a matter for the Registrar. 104.12. The Registrar should remain within the sphere assigned to him by the Legislature. He is Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 53 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 empowered to examine the society and its affairs; he is not empowered to become the adjudicator of private disputes between its members. 104.13. The distinction is not difficult to state and must be carefully observed in practice. The Registrar can enquire into whether the society is functioning in accordance with the Act and its bye-laws, whether its records and accounts are properly maintained, and whether its financial affairs disclose irregularity or misuse. He cannot use that jurisdiction to decide which of two rival members or groups has the better civil right to an office, membership, management or control. 104.14. In the present case, therefore, the Registrar ought not to proceed with Charges Nos.1, 3 and 6 insofar as they require determination of the very questions which are pending before the civil court. The remaining matters must be examined independently, and only to the extent that they genuinely fall within the statutory field of Section 25. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 54 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 104.15. This Court makes it clear that these observations are not intended to curtail the lawful powers of the Registrar. They are intended to ensure that those powers are exercised for the purpose for which they have been conferred. 104.16. The Registrar occupies an important statutory position. That position requires him to act neither as an adversary of the society/club nor as an arbiter between rival groups of members. He must act within the statute. He should stay within that limited sphere and should not cross it. 104.17. Where the Act gives him jurisdiction, he must exercise it firmly and effectively. Where the dispute falls outside that jurisdiction and concerns private civil rights, he must leave the parties to the remedy provided by law before the competent forum. That distinction will protect both the autonomy of registered societies and the proper exercise of the statutory powers entrusted to the Registrar. 105. In that view of the matter, this Court passes the following: Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 55 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 ORDER i. The petition is partly allowed. ii. A certiorari is issued. The impugned notice dated 18.12.2025 issued by the Respondent No.4-Enquiry Officer at Annexure-AA is quashed. iii. The Respondent–Registrar/Enquiry Officer is directed to issue a fresh notice specifying the charges/matters proposed to be enquired into, after excluding matters which require adjudication of the private civil rights of the members and which are pending before the competent Civil Court. The enquiry shall be thereafter conducted in the light of the observations made in this order. iv. The fresh notice shall confine the enquiry strictly to matters falling within the scope of Section 25 of the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, namely, the constitution, working and financial condition of the Society. v. In particular, the Respondent shall not, in the fresh enquiry, adjudicate upon the validity of the appointment/co-option of, or continuance in office of, any member in office, the validity of the Special General Body Meeting dated 22.09.2024, the amendments to the Bye-laws, or any other issue which is directly pending adjudication before the Civil Court and/or matters which do not fall within the purview of constitution, working and financial condition of the Society. Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified - 56 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010852282025 NC: 2026:KHC:55531 WP No. 39221 of 2025 vi. The Respondent is at liberty to call for such records and documents as are necessary for the limited enquiry so undertaken and shall proceed in accordance with law. vii. Nothing stated herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the pending civil suits or on any matter which otherwise falls within the lawful jurisdiction of the Registrar. This Court has been assisted by Ms. Harshada RB, Law Clerk, in reviewing this Judgment. (SURAJ GOVINDARAJ) JUDGE LN/- List No.: 3 Sl No.: 1 Digitally Signed By: SURAJ GOVINDA RAJ 06/10/2026, 17:03, Bengaluru Verified