Bombay HC Orders Removal of Bouncers Stopping Stray Dog Feeding, Seeks Panel with Dog Lovers
Court also directed the administrator to form a 5-member panel, including dog lovers, to resolve future disputes amicably;
The Bombay High Court recently directed the administrator of RNA Royale Park Cooperative Housing Society in Mumbai to remove two individuals allegedly deployed to prevent residents and others from feeding stray dogs near the society premises.
A Division Bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif S. Doctor also directed the formation of a five-member panel, comprising the petitioner, two dog lovers, and two other residents, to amicably address any future disputes related to the care and feeding of strays within the society.
The High Court was hearing a contempt petition filed by society resident Paromita Puthran, alleging that the housing society had breached previous court orders under which it had agreed not to employ bouncers to prevent stray dog feeding.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate Gauraj Shah, highlighted two employment letters received by two individuals — Manisha Rohan Sen and Nazia Filavi Khan — who had previously worked as bouncers.
Shah argued that their official designation had only changed on paper; they continued to perform the same functions, in breach of the court’s previous orders. Supporting the said contentions, Shah had submitted appointment letters and photographs.
Initially, the society’s counsel, Advocate Rahul Sarda, submitted that bouncers had not been deployed. However, upon instructions, he later informed the Court that the society was not averse to removing the two individuals to resolve the issue.
Taking note of the submissions, the high court directed the current administrator of the society, Mr. Hanumant Pawar, to formally relieve the two women within two days of receiving the order. Further, it clarified that water bowls kept for the stray dogs must not be removed.
“Needless to observe that in the event there is any further breach of the aforesaid orders, it is open to the parties to initiate appropriate proceedings,” the court added.
With these directions, the court disposed of the contempt petition.
Case Title: Paromita Puthran … V/s. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai & Ors.