In a firm stand supporting animal welfare and citizens’ rights, the Bombay High Court has directed the administrator of RNA Royale Park Cooperative Housing Society in Mumbai’s Kandivali suburb to remove two bouncers allegedly hired to intimidate residents feeding stray dogs within the society premises.
The direction came during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by resident Paromita Puthran, who alleged that the housing society had breached previous court orders from 2023, in which it had clearly undertaken not to obstruct or interfere with residents feeding stray dogs.
A Division Bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif S. Doctor took note of the society’s prior commitment and emphasized that its actions constituted non-compliance.
“In our opinion, such stand taken on behalf of the Contemnors is a correct stand considering the clear position taken by the society and as recorded in the orders passed by this Court of which breach is alleged,” the Bench observed.
Puthran submitted photographic evidence showing that two individuals, Manisha Rohan Sen and Nazia Filavi Khan, previously employed as bouncers, were reappointed as “special security personnel” and continued to act in an intimidating manner. The respondents did not contest the authenticity of the photos.
Acknowledging the submissions, the Court accepted the society’s assurance—through its counsel—that the two personnel would be removed to avoid further legal action. Accordingly, the Court directed Hanumant Pawar, the State-appointed administrator currently managing the society since February 2025, to ensure that the two individuals are relieved of their duties within two days of the order.
Further, the Court protected the welfare of the animals by directing that “the water bowls provided for the dogs must not be removed.”
To promote peaceful coexistence and preempt future disputes, the Court also ordered the formation of a five-member committee consisting of the petitioner, two dog lovers, and two other society members. This committee will be tasked with addressing and resolving issues related to the feeding and care of stray dogs within the premises.
Case: Paromita Puthran vs Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai – Available on LAWFYI.IO
