The general body decides
For a co-operative housing society, the general body of members — in the annual general meeting — appoints the auditor for the year. The managing committee proposes, but it is the members’ resolution that makes the appointment, keeping the choice with the membership.
From the Registrar's panel
The auditor must be drawn from the panel approved by the state Registrar of Co-operative Societies — a chartered accountant or a certified/government co-operative auditor who is empanelled. The appointment is then intimated to the Registrar. This panel requirement is what distinguishes a Section 81 audit from an ordinary company audit. Panel and procedure vary by state — confirm.
A worked example
Example: at its AGM, a society passes a resolution appointing a panel CA as auditor for the year, records it, and informs the Registrar; the auditor then conducts the annual audit. If the society fails to appoint, the Registrar can appoint an auditor for it. Appointing through the general body keeps the process valid and transparent. Our team can act as your society’s panel auditor.