Bombay High Court directs housing society to remove bouncers hired to prevent stray dog feeding

The Bombay High Court has directed the administrator of RNA Royale Park Cooperative Housing Society in suburban Mumbai to remove two bouncers who were allegedly deployed to prevent a resident and other members from feeding stray dogs within the society premises [Paromita Puthran v Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai]..A Bench of Justice GS Kulkarni and Justice Arif S Doctor was hearing a contempt petition filed by a resident, one Paromita Puthran. She alleged that the society had violated previous court orders of 2023 in which the housing society had specifically undertaken not to engage bouncers or obstruct residents from feeding stray dogs. The Court had earlier made it clear that feeding activities could not be interfered with.Referring to the previous commitment made by the society not to employ bouncers, the bench noted that continuing such appointments would amount to 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 Court noted. It also ordered that the water bowls provided for the dogs must not be removed..The petitioner had submitted that despite the undertaking, two individuals, Manisha Rohan Sen and Nazia Filavi Khan, who had previously worked as bouncers, were reappointed as “special security personnel.” According to the petitioner, they continued to function in the same intimidating capacity and she placed photographic evidence on record to support her claim. The respondents did not dispute the photos.The counsel appearing for Puthran argued that this amounted to a violation of the court’s previous orders. The counsel representing the society and its former managing committee stated that his clients were willing to remove the two individuals in order to resolve the issue and avoid further proceedings..Accepting the statement, the Court directed Hanumant Pawar, the State-appointed administrator who took charge after the society’s managing committee was superseded in February 2025, to relieve the two personnel within two days of receiving the court’s order.To avoid future disputes, the Court also directed the formation of a five-member committee comprising the petitioner, two dog lovers and two other society members. This committee will look into and amicably resolve any issues related to feeding and care of stray dogs in the premises.Advocate Gauraj Shah along with advocates Bhuneshwari Kanojia instructed by Samaa Shah appeared for Paromita Puthran.Additional Government Pleader Manish Upadhye appeared for the State.Advocate Rahul Sarda along with advocate Avadhoot Prabhu instructed by Lex Services appeared for the housing society..[Read Order]