Special Resolution
A Special Resolution is a resolution passed at a General Meeting of a co-operative housing society that requires a higher threshold — typically three-fourths of the members present and voting — for matters that significantly affect all members.
What is Special Resolution?
Most committee decisions are ordinary resolutions (simple majority). But for major decisions — amending bye-laws, approving a special levy above a threshold, selling society property, or authorizing large capital works — a Special Resolution is required.
A Special Resolution must be proposed with adequate notice (typically 21 days) so members can prepare. The notice must clearly state the text of the resolution.
Why it matters
Decisions requiring a Special Resolution cannot be undone by a simple majority later. A properly passed Special Resolution gives legal weight to major decisions and protects the committee from challenges.
Failing to get a Special Resolution when one was required makes the underlying decision voidable — challengeable before the Registrar or in court.
Legal & regulatory context
The MCS Act 1960 specifies which matters require Special Resolutions. Bye-Law definitions of what constitutes a Special Resolution and the required majority threshold are adopted from the Model Bye-Laws.
Special Resolutions must be recorded verbatim in the AGM/SGM minutes and sent to the Registrar within 30 days for matters like bye-law amendments.
How SocietyBee handles it
SocietyBee does not manage meeting processes, but the platform's audit report and financial summary modules can generate the data required to support major resolutions — e.g., Sinking Fund balance report before approving a capital works Special Resolution.
Try SocietyBee free →Frequently asked questions
What majority is needed for a Special Resolution?
Three-fourths (75%) of members present and voting at a meeting with proper quorum, unless the specific bye-law provision requires a different threshold.
Can a Special Resolution be passed at an emergency meeting?
Only at a properly noticed Special General Meeting (SGM). Emergency powers of the committee do not extend to matters requiring Special Resolutions.