(1) There shall be a general body of every cooperative consisting of all the members of such cooperative :
Provided that where the general body of a cooperative decides that the size, spread or types of its members requires a representative body for more effective decision making, its articles of association may provide for smaller body called representative general body drawn from the members, to be formed in such a democratic manner with such functions and powers, and such relations with members as may be specified in the articles of association.
(2) Any reference in this Act to the general body shall apply to representative general body where it exists :
Provided, however, that the representative general body shall not alter any provision in the articles of association or take any decisions relating to such subjects as the general body may have explicitly retained for itself. (3) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the articles of association of a cooperative, the ultimate power of a cooperative shall vest in the general body of its members :
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall affect the exercise by the board or any other authority of a cooperative of any power conferred on such board or such other authority by this Act.
(4) Any power, function or responsibility, falling within the scope of a cooperative as a corporate body, which has not been specifically entrusted by this Act or the articles of association, to any of the several authorities within the cooperative, may be dealt with by the general body, on a reference by the board of directors.