CONSTITUTION & BYE-LAWS AT THE MACRO & MICRO LEVELS

- Y Babji, Ex Legal Advisor to PRSI

Every organised collective, whether a nation or a professional society, requires a foundational charter to define its identity, values, powers and processes. At the macro level, the Constitution of India performs this role for the Republic. At the micro level, bye-laws perform a similar function for associations and societies such as the Public Relations Society of India, Hyderabad Chapter.

The Preamble to the Constitution of India, beginning with the historic words: “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic…” declares the source of authority, the collective will of the people and the objectives of governance—Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. It sets the philosophical and moral compass of the nation, while the Articles of the Constitution translate these ideals into institutions, rights, duties and procedures.

In a comparable manner, the bye-laws of PRSI Hyderabad Chapter serve as the constitutional framework of the organisation. They derive authority from the collective will of the members, define the aims and objectives of the Society, establish structures of governance, prescribe roles and responsibilities, regulate membership, finance and elections and provide mechanisms for discipline and dispute resolution.

While the Constitution of India governs over a billion citizens, ensuring unity in diversity, the bye-laws govern a professional community, ensuring unity of purpose, ethical conduct and institutional continuity. The scale differs, but the principle is identical: no institution can function democratically, transparently or sustainably without a clearly defined constitution.

Thus the Constitution of India is the supreme law at the macro (national) level while The Bye-laws of PRSI Hyderabad Chapter operate as a constitution at the micro (institutional) level

Both aim to (1) Balance authority with accountability (2) Protect rights while prescribing duties (3) Promote order, fairness and harmony and (4) Ensure continuity beyond individuals

The circulation note that follows, therefore, should be read not merely as a procedural document, but as an exposition of the constitutional spirit that sustains PRSI Hyderabad Chapter as a professional, democratic and credible institution, much like the Constitution sustains the Republic of India.

 

CIRCULATION NOTE

[For the benefit of Members who could not attend the Webinar of Y Babji on 6 Feb 2026]

 

“Understanding an Organisation by its Constitution -

Bye-laws of PRSI Hyderabad Chapter”

 

1. INTRODUCTION

The webinar titled “Understanding an Organisation by its Constitution – Bye-laws of PRSI Hyderabad Chapter”, held on 6 February 2026 was aimed at familiarising members with the concept, significance, structure and application of bye-laws, both in general and in the specific context of the Public Relations Society of India (National Council) and its Hyderabad Chapter.

This circulation note presents the important learnings, institutional background and governance provisions discussed during the session, in a concise form.

2. WHAT ARE BYE-LAWS?

Bye-laws are local laws, supplementary in nature, framed by associations, clubs, societies, local bodies etc

Bye-laws regulate the internal affairs, governance and functioning of an organisation. They are subordinate to higher laws, namely Acts and Statutes passed by Legislatures and Parliament and must not be ultra vires (beyond the authority of the parent law).

For an Association of Persons (AoP) or a Body of Individuals (BoI), bye-laws effectively function as the constitution of the organisation.

3. IMPORTANCE OF BYE-LAWS

Bye-laws play a critical role in institutional stability and credibility as they -

• Provide a clear framework for governance, operations and dispute resolution
• Define roles, responsibilities and powers of office bearers and members
• Ensure fairness, transparency, accountability and legal compliance
• Regulate membership, finance, meetings and elections
• Prevent conflicts and promote unity, stability and continuity
• Confer institutional credibility and professional legitimacy

The strength of any society depends on the strength of its bye-laws.

4. STRUCTURE OF BYE-LAWS: Byelaws contain 2 parts i.e. MoA & AoA

a) Memorandum of Association (MoA)

• Defines the organisation’s external relationship and fundamental boundaries
• Contains the Aims and Objects of the Chapter 

b) Articles of Association (AoA)

• Governs internal management and day-to-day functioning
• Covers administration, meetings, elections, finance, discipline and procedures

5. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PRSI

• Post-Independence, two PR circles existed in India: Kolkata and Bombay
• These were merged in 1958 at Bombay by Kali H. Mody, National President
• PRSI was formally registered in 1967 at Bombay
• Headquarters were shifted to Delhi after the First National Conference (1968) organised by Farooq S. Mulla, National President
• National Bye-laws were framed in 1967 amended in 1993, 2009 and 2017

6. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF HYDERABAD CHAPTER

• Formed as the Hyderabad Centre of Public Relations on 6 February 1971, led by Prof. S. Bashiruddin
• Merger with the National Body was planned in 1972, following the visit of Gyan Haksar, National President
• Inaugurated as the Andhra Pradesh Chapter on 7 February 1973 by H.E. Khandubhai Desai, Governor
• Renamed as Hyderabad Chapter on 16 February 1991 by National Council decision

7. REGISTRATION STATUS OF HYDERABAD CHAPTER

Pursuant to a National Council resolution, the Chapter was registered as Public Relations Society, Hyderabad vide Registration No.: 970/2024 under the Societies Registration Act, 2001 with the District Registrar, Registration & Stamps, Medchal–Malkajgiri District

Though registered separately, the Chapter functions as an arm of the PRSI National Body under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

8. AIMS & OBJECTS (HIGHLIGHTS)

The Chapter’s objectives include:

• Recognition of Public Relations as a profession
• Public awareness about the role and potential of PR
• Maintenance of high professional and ethical standards
• Exchange of ideas and best practices
• Research and studies in PR
• Publications and knowledge dissemination
• Operation on a no-profit motive
• No political or agitation activities
• Adherence to the principle of mutuality

9. MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS

Categories

• Professional Members – Life / Annual
• Associate Members – Life / Annual
• Corporate Members – Annual

(Honorary Membership, Corporate Life Membership and Student Memberships have been dispensed with)

Key Provisions

• Membership year: 1 April to 31 March
• Membership is national, but records are maintained at Chapter level
• No GST on membership subscriptions (mutuality principle)
• Secretary is custodian of membership and other records
• Membership subject to EC approval and National President’s confirmation

10. OFFICE BEARERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• Chairman
• Vice Chairman
• Secretary
• Joint Secretary
• Treasurer
• Two Elected EC Members
• Four Co-opted EC Members

(All positions are honorary)

• Elections held once every two years at the AGM
• Elections may be by unanimity, voice vote, show of hands, division or secret ballot
• Patrons, Advisors and Conveners are nominated by the Chairman in consultation with the EC

11. MEETINGS & GOVERNANCE

Executive Committee

• Strength: 7 to 11 members
• Meets at least once a month
• Maximum gap between two meetings: 90 days
• Quorum: 3 or 4 members (depending on strength)
• Minutes to be recorded and circulated within 14 days

General Body

• AGM notice: 21 days
• EGM notice: 15 days
• Quorum: 7 members or 10%, whichever is higher
• Minutes reported to Registrar and circulated to Members within 15 days of the AGM or EGM

12. FINANCIAL & STATUTORY PROVISIONS

Sources of Income

• Membership subscriptions
• Donations and grants
• Delegate and entry fees
• Sponsorships and advertisements

(Except membership fees, all receipts are subject to IT and GST laws)

Accounts

• Financial year: April–March
• Association Year (Fasli year): October–September
• Annual auditing of accounts mandatory
• Accounts approved at AGM

Statutory Payments

• NC affiliation fee: 25% subscription + 100% admission fee
• AIPRC share: 5% delegate fee + 25% net surplus
• Annual IT returns and monthly GST returns are mandatory

13. DISCIPLINE & AMENDMENTS

• Grounds for termination include misconduct, non-payment, resignation, death, or prolonged absence
• Due process: EC resolution, written notice and appropriate action
• Re-admission requires EC resolution and National President’s approval
• Amendments require two-thirds majority at AGM/EGM

14. NATIONAL STRUCTURE & PROGRAMS

National Structure

• National Executive: President, 4 Regional VPs, Secretary General, Secretary–Treasurer
• National Council: About 100 members from 24 Chapters (1:30 ratio)
• NC meets quarterly; decisions are binding on Chapters

Key National Programs

Conferences

• All India PR Conferences
• International PR Festivals

Programmes

• National Quiz
• Orientation Programs

Initiatives

• Open the Door
• Nalanda Student Forum
• PR from Boardrooms to Classrooms

15. CONCLUSION

Bye-laws serve as the internal rulebook of PRSI. They define governance, ensure accountability, provide legal and financial clarity and sustain professional continuity. Strong bye-laws are the foundation of strong, credible and enduring institutions.

 

 Dogs, Law and the People: Test of Coexistence

Y Babji

The dog is often called man’s best friend. This may be both a fact and an opinion. In the oldest proverbs and phrases, dogs are rarely depicted as faithful or as man’s best friend, but rather as vicious, ravening or watchful.

Dogs were the first species to be domesticated by humans over 14,000 years ago, even before agriculture. They did not just live with humans but evolved alongside them, changing their own digestive systems to handle a starch-rich, human-like diet. This long evolutionary partnership has resulted in unparalleled social cognitive abilities, such as the capacity to understand human gestures, read facial expressions and form deep, almost child-like, emotional bonds. While other animals have keen senses, dogs possess a highly specialised, hyper-social nature that allows them to thrive in human environments. However, in contemporary India, the relationship has become increasingly strained.

In cities and villages alike, pet dogs are cherished members of families, while street dogs are both protected and feared. Rising dog-bite incidents, public health concerns and recurring court interventions have turned what was once a social issue into a serious governance and legal challenge.

India today faces a difficult question: how does a densely populated country balance compassion for animals with the constitutional duty to protect human life and safety?

The Problem

India is estimated to have nearly 100 million dogs, of which more than half are free-roaming street dogs. This places India among the countries with the largest stray dog populations in the world. While dogs are not inherently dangerous, unmanaged populations, poor waste systems and lack of sterilisation have resulted in increased human–dog conflict.

India also accounts for over one-third of global rabies deaths, a statistic repeatedly flagged by the World Health Organization. Children, sanitation workers and elderly citizens are among the most vulnerable. These numbers underline that the issue is not emotional or ideological but a public health and safety concern.

Unsafe Streets

Across the country, incidents of dog attacks have triggered public outrage. In Kerala, a spate of dog-bite cases in 2022 and 2023 led to protests and court interventions. In urban centres like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi, residents have complained of dogs chasing vehicles, attacking pedestrians and occupying public parks.

Citizens often find themselves helpless, caught between fear of harm and fear of being accused of cruelty. The absence of a clear and visible response from authorities has deepened frustration.

The Law

India does not have a single comprehensive law governing dogs. Instead, regulation is spread across multiple statutes. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 protects animals from abuse and establishes humane treatment as a legal principle. The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 mandate sterilisation and vaccination of street dogs and prohibit their killing or relocation, except in limited circumstances.

Municipal and panchayat laws assign responsibility for public health, sanitation and animal control to local bodies. In addition, criminal liability may arise under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (earlier Indian Penal Code) in cases of negligence, nuisance or harm caused by pet owners.

The legal framework, therefore, seeks balance, but its implementation remains uneven.

Role of Courts

With increasing complaints, courts have become central to the debate. The Supreme Court recently took suo motu cognisance of the growing stray dog menace and transferred multiple petitions from High Courts for consolidated hearing.

The Court observed that while animal welfare is important, public safety cannot be compromised. It emphasised that local bodies cannot abdicate their responsibility and that humane solutions must be effective, not symbolic.

High Courts in Telangana, Punjab and Haryana have echoed similar concerns, stressing that compassion cannot come at the cost of human life. Courts have repeatedly directed municipalities to identify aggressive dogs, act on complaints and ensure scientific implementation of sterilisation programmes.

NGO Perspective

Animal welfare organisations argue that cruelty, culling and relocation do not solve the problem. According to them, sterilisation combined with vaccination is the only long-term solution. They also point to poor garbage management and human aggression as factors that provoke dogs.

However, NGOs themselves admit that Animal Birth Control programmes suffer from inadequate funding, lack of trained personnel and poor monitoring. In some cities, allegations of fake sterilisation records have surfaced, undermining public trust.

Citizens in Between

For ordinary citizens, the debate is less about ideology and more about daily survival. Parents worry about children walking to school. Senior citizens fear stepping out in the early morning. Delivery workers face regular attacks. Many residents feel the law protects dogs but leaves humans vulnerable.

This perception, whether accurate or not, has created social friction and polarised communities.

Local Bodies

Urban local bodies and rural panchayats hold the key to resolving the crisis. They are legally responsible for sterilisation, vaccination, dog census, waste management and grievance redressal. Yet capacity constraints, lack of funds and weak accountability have rendered many systems ineffective.

Courts have increasingly linked municipal inaction to violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, reinforcing that public safety is not optional governance.

Compassion with Caution

Courts have recognised the right of citizens to feed street dogs as an act of compassion. At the same time, they have stressed that feeding must not endanger others. Unregulated feeding can make dogs territorial and aggressive.

Designated feeding zones, fixed timings and coordination with resident welfare associations are emerging as best practices. Compassion without responsibility, courts have noted, can worsen conflict.

Owner Accountability

India’s pet dog population is rapidly growing, but regulation has not kept pace. Unregistered pets, lack of vaccination and abandonment are common problems. Abandoned pets often swell the street dog population and become aggressive due to trauma.

Several municipalities have begun mandating pet registration and penalising abandonment, recognising that responsible ownership is essential for public safety.

Lessons from Abroad

Countries that have effectively managed dog populations rely on strict licensing, strong shelter systems and heavy penalties for abandonment. India’s challenge is unique due to population density and open waste systems, but global experience shows that firm governance combined with humane policy works.

Finding the Middle Path

The dog issue in India is not a choice between human rights and animal rights. It is a test of governance. Humane treatment of animals and protection of human life are not contradictory values. They must coexist.

Effective sterilisation, waste management, clear feeder guidelines, compulsory pet registration and accountable municipal action offer a practical way forward.

Conclusion

Dogs are not the problem. Weak implementation, poor coordination and governance failures are. India’s legal framework already provides the tools. What is needed is execution with empathy, science and responsibility.

A safe city for humans and a humane environment for animals are not competing goals. They are the shared markers of a mature and civilised society.