Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has issued a significant directive ordering the removal of security personnel allegedly employed as bouncers to harass members feeding stray dogs at a Mumbai cooperative society, emphasizing the protection of animal welfare and residents’ rights.
Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif S. Doctor were hearing a contempt petition filed against the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and RNA Royale Park CHS Ltd., alleging violation of court orders dated 27th March 2023, 28th March 2023, and 24th April 2023. The court noted that the cooperative society had given an undertaking not to employ bouncers, particularly in relation to members feeding stray dogs with territorial affinity to the society premises.
Addressing the specific concern regarding the continued employment of bouncers, the court observed:
“In regard to the Petitioner’s contention on the employment of bouncers, we find that there are appointment letters issued to one Manisha Rohan Sen and also to Mrs. Nazia Filavi Khan on 24th December 2024, who were earlier working as bouncers and, according to the Petitioner, continued to be employed by the cooperative society under the said appointment letters.”
The court noted the society’s willingness to resolve the issue, stating:
“Mr. Sarda, who represents Respondent Nos.15, 16 and 17 (Contemnors), on instructions, states that in order to resolve the issues so that the present proceedings are not taken forward, his clients would not be averse to removing Manisha Rohan Sen and Mrs. Nazia Filavi Khan, who are currently appointed as special security personnel but are alleged by the Petitioner to be bouncers.”
Issuing a specific direction, the court instructed the Administrator:
“We, accordingly, direct the Administrator to issue an appropriate communication to relieve and/or discontinue the duties of these two persons within two days from the date a copy of this order is made available.”
The court also emphasized the need for proper care of stray animals, noting that 15 stray dogs with territorial affinity to the cooperative society premises currently remain, down from 18 as recorded in earlier proceedings.
On the issue of animal welfare, the court remarked:
“We also observe that the water bowls provided for the dogs shall not be removed.”
This was fairly agreed upon by Mr. Sarda.
To prevent future disputes, the court directed the Administrator to establish a resolution mechanism:
“The Administrator shall appoint an appropriate committee comprising five members, including the Petitioner, two dog lovers, and two other members, to look into and amicably resolve such issues.”
The court also noted that the Managing Committee of the cooperative society had been superseded by the State Government on 6th February 2025, with Mr. Hanumant Pawar appointed as Administrator, who assumed charge on 8th February 2025.
Considering the fair stand taken by the society, the court disposed of the contempt petition without passing any further orders in exercise of its contempt jurisdiction.
Case Title: Paromita Puthran vs. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai & Ors.
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