The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) serves as legislation designed to protect the rights and interests of consumers engaged in transactions involving goods and services. It establishes a legal framework for addressing grievances and disputes between consumers and sellers or service providers, ensuring that consumers are shielded from unfair trade practices and have avenues for seeking redressal in case of dissatisfaction or harm.

In Maharashtra, Cooperative Housing Societies operate under the governance of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules, 1961. Moreover, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, extends its coverage to cooperative housing societies, thereby ensuring that members are safeguarded against unfair practices and that their rights are upheld.

The Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, along with its rules, delineates the rights and responsibilities of society members, the management committee, and the governing body. These provisions encompass various aspects such as the maintenance of accounts, the conduct of meetings, election procedures, dispute resolution mechanisms, among others.

While the direct applicability of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to cooperative housing societies may be debated, its provisions could potentially be invoked in instances where a member perceives a violation of their consumer rights by the society. Nevertheless, it is recommended to seek legal advice tailored to the specific circumstances for a more precise understanding of the application of these laws.
Key provisions of the Consumer protection in Maharashtra Cooperative Housing Societies:

1. Right to Information: No person, other than a society registered, or deemed to be registered, under this Act, and a person or his successor in interest of any name or title under which he traded or carried on business at the date on which this Act comes into force, shall without the sanction of the date on which this Act comes into force, shall without the sanction of the State Government, function, trade or carry on business under any name or title of which the word "co-operative", or its equivalent in any Indian language, forms part. Members have the right to access information related to the functioning of the cooperative housing society, including financial records, meeting minutes, and decisions made by the management committee.
2. Fair Practices: The society must adhere to fair practices in its dealings with members, including transparent financial management, fair elections, and equitable distribution of amenities and resources.
3. Redressal Mechanisms: The cooperative housing society must establish effective mechanisms for addressing grievances and disputes raised by its members. This may include setting up a Grievance Redressal Committee and following due process for resolving disputes.
4. Maintenance of Accounts: The society is required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including income, expenditure, and balance sheets. Members have the right to access these records for transparency and accountability.
5. Election Procedures: Elections for the management committee of the cooperative housing society must be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. Fair and transparent election procedures ensure democratic representation and accountability.
6. Consumer Rights Protection: While not directly governed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, cooperative housing societies are expected to uphold the basic principles of consumer rights protection, including protection against unfair trade practices, provision of quality services, and avenues for seeking redressal in case of grievances.
7. Dispute Resolution: Disputes between members and the cooperative housing society or among members themselves should be resolved through amicable means or through legal recourse as provided by the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and its rules.

These provisions collectively aim to ensure that members of cooperative housing societies in Maharashtra are protected, informed, and empowered to participate in the governance and decision-making processes of their societies.