Section 27
Section 27
(1)
No registered society shall establish a branch without the prior approval of the Registrar.
(2)
The Registrar may refuse to give approval to the establishment of a branch of the registered society if —
(a)
the rules of the society do not provide for the establishment of a branch of the society; or
(b)
the rules of the branch are such as to make it an independent society and not adequately under the control of the society.
(3)
Where a registered society establishes a branch without the prior approval of the Registrar, the branch so established shall be an unlawful society:
Provided that a branch of any registered society established and in existence immediately before 4th January 2005, being the date of commencement of this Act, shall not be an unlawful society if, within 6 months from the commencement of this Act or such extended period, not being more than 3 months as the Registrar may allow at any one time, the registered society applies to the Registrar in writing for his approval; and after considering such application the Registrar may refuse to give approval under subsection (2).
(4)
The provisions of this Act, other than sections 8, 9 and 11, shall apply to any branch of a registered society approved under this section as if such branch was a society registered under this Act.
(5)
For the purposes of this section, a branch of a registered society includes any society which is in any way subordinate to another society.
Societies 29
(6)
Where an approval to establish a branch has been given under this section, such branch shall be established within 3 months thereof unless the Registrar has allowed an extension of time.
Liability of society in respect of contracts entered into by branch.