s 11 Change of name and rules of society
11.—(1) No registered society shall —(a) change its name; or[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] (b) amend its rules, without the prior approval in writing of the Registrar or an Assistant Registrar. (1A) Without limiting subsection (1), the grounds on which the Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may refuse to approve a change by a registered society of its name include where it appears to the Registrar or Assistant Registrar that the name to which the registered society is to be changed —(a) is likely to mislead members of the public as to the true character or purpose of the registered society or so nearly resembles the name of some other society as is likely to deceive the members of the public or members of either society; (b) is undesirable or offensive; (c) is identical to that of any other existing society; or (d) is likely to give the impression that the registered society is connected in some way with the Government or a public authority, or with any other body of persons or any individual, when it is not so connected.[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] (1B) Without limiting subsection (1), the grounds on which the Registrar or an Assistant Registrar may refuse to approve an amendment by a registered society of its rules include where it appears to the Registrar or Assistant Registrar that the amendment of the rules would be —(a) contrary to Singapore’s national security or interest; (b) prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; or (c) contrary to the provisions of this Act or any regulations.[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] (2) If a registered society fails to comply with the requirement of subsection (1), the society and every officer of the society shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $6,000.[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] (3) For the purposes of this section, “amend” includes making a new rule and rescinding an existing rule.[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] (4) Any person aggrieved by the refusal of the Registrar or an Assistant Registrar to approve the change of name of a registered society or to amend its rules may within 30 days from the date of the decision appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final.[Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024] [Act 34 of 2023 wef 02/05/2024]