Friendly Societies Act 1896

94 Legal proceedings

(1) The trustees of a registered society or branch, or any other officers authorised by the rules thereof, may bring or defend; or cause to be brought or defended, any action or. other legal proceeding in any court whatsoever, touching or concerning any property, right, or claim of the society or branch, and may sue and be sued in their proper names, without other description than the title of their office.

(2) In legal proceedings brought under this Act by a member, or person claiming through a member, a registered society or branch may also be sued in the name, as defendant, of any officer or person who receives contributions or issues policies on behalf of the society or branch within the jurisdiction of the court in which the legal proceeding is brought, with the addition of the words " on behalf of the society or branch" (naming the same).

(3) A legal proceeding shall not abate or be discontinued by the death, resignation, or removal from office of any officer or by any act of any such officer after the commencement of the proceedings.

(4) The summons, writ, process, or other proceeding, to be issued to or against the officer or other person sued on behalf of a registered society or branch, shall' be sufficiently served by personally serving that officer or other person, or by leaving a true copy thereof at the registered office of the society or branch, or at any place of business of the society or branch within the jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is brought, or, if that office or place of business is closed, by posting the copy on the outer door of that office or place of business.

(5) In all cases where the said summons, writ, process, or other proceeding is not served by means of such personal service or by leaving a true copy thereof at the registered office of the society or branch as aforesaid, a copy thereof shall be sent in a registered letter addressed to the committee at the registered office of the society or branch, and posted at least six days before any further step is taken on the proceeding.

(6) Where proceedings are taken against a society or branch for the recovery of any fine under this Act the summons or other process shall be sufficiently served by leaving a true copy thereof at the registered office of the society or branch, or at any place of business of the society or branch, within the jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is brought, or, if that office or place of business is closed, by posting the copy on the outer door of that office or place of business.

(7) Where the person against whom the proceedings are to be taken is himself a trustee of a society or branch the proceedings may be brought by the other trustees or trustee of the society or branch.