LENTIN J.-Both these petitions are filed to set aside the order dated 16th February 1974 passed by the Collector of Poona, viz. the 2nd respondent, directing the deletion of the names of the petitioners from the votes list of the 1st respondent Karkhana. Both these petitions have common facts and involve for decision common points of law and hence awe being disposed of by a common judgment.

2. The petitioners and respondents 3 to 5 in Special Civil Application No. 1101 of 1974 and the petitioners and respondents 3 to 8 in Special Civil Application No. 227t of 1974 are shown as producer members in the Register of Members of the 1st respondent-Karkhana, which is a Society registered under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 (referred to hereafter as "the Societies Act"). The 2nd respondent is the Collector of Poona.

3. The elections to the Board of Directors of the 1st respondent Karkhana are held tri-annually. On 18th August 1913, an election programme was published by the Collector of Poona. Under this prorgramme, 21st September 1973 was the date fixed for presenting claims and raising objections to the provisional voters list. The date for the Collector's de