79.—(1) The Registrar may at any time, on his own motion, institute an inquiry into the constitution, operations, financial condition or affairs of the society.
[23/2008]
(2) The Registrar shall institute an inquiry into the constitution, operations, financial condition or affairs of the society on the application of at least —
(a)
a majority of the committee of management; or
(b)
one-third of the members or 500 members of a society, whichever is the less.
[23/2008]
(3) The Registrar may —
(a)
conduct an inquiry under subsection (1) or (2) himself;
(b)
direct any person authorised by him in writing on his behalf to conduct the inquiry; or
(c)
delegate the exercise of his power to hold an inquiry under this section, partly or totally, to an apex organisation.
[23/2008]
(4) For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (1) or (2), the Registrar or any person authorised by him shall have power —
(a)
to have at all reasonable times free access to all books, accounts and other records relating directly or indirectly to the society;
(b)
to require the production of any book or document relating to the affairs of, or any property belonging to, the society by its officer, agent, employee or member in possession of the book, document or property;
(c)
to require any officer, agent, employee or member of the society to furnish any information in regard to any transaction of the society or the management of its affairs; and
(d)
to make copies of or extracts from accounting and other records, or retain possession of such records for such period as may be necessary to enable them to be inspected.
[23/2008]
(5) Where the exercise of any inquiry power has been delegated to an apex organisation under subsection (3)(c), the Registrar shall have power to do all things necessary to ensure that the inquiry is effectively held and in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
[23/2008]
(6) The Registrar shall communicate the results of any inquiry held under this section to the society concerned.