Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 8: In a major development, the District Registrar and Inspector General of Societies (South), Suraj Vernekar, has passed an interim order restraining the current Executive Council of the United Tribals Association Alliance (UTAA) from functioning, citing violation of the society’s byelaws.

The action follows a complaint filed by members of the Gawda, Kunbi, Velip & Dhangar communities and others, seeking to declare the 2022 election of UTAA's executive body—led by Prakash Velip, Durgadas Gaude, and Nanu Bandolkar—as null and void. The petitioners also sought the appointment of an administrator and a fresh audit of the society.

The complainants alleged that the existing council was formed in violation of UTAA’s byelaws and demanded an updated list of executive members supported by valid authorisations from respective tribal organisations.

In response, the UTAA leadership questioned the maintainability of the complaint, claiming the petitioners were not members of the society and that the UTAA was formed by individuals and not as an alliance of organisations. They also argued that the Registrar lacked jurisdiction over the case.

However, the District Registrar observed that the matter falls well within his purview under Section 20(A) of the Societies Registration Act, 1860. He noted that the present Executive Committee was found to be in violation of Rule VIII(3) of the society’s byelaws.

Based on these findings, a temporary injunction was issued, restraining the current executive body from acting, representing, or functioning on behalf of UTAA. The order also prohibits them from holding meetings, issuing statements, or conducting financial transactions in the society’s name. The interim order will remain effective until a final decision is made.

The order has put the functioning of UTAA on hold, with the future leadership of the tribal alliance now hinging on the outcome of the ongoing proceedings.