The Bombay High Court has directed the administrator of RNA Royale Park Cooperative Housing Society in suburban Mumbai to remove two security personnel allegedly deployed to intimidate residents feeding stray dogs within the society premises.

The order was passed by a Bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Arif S. Doctor while hearing a contempt petition filed by resident Paromita Puthran. The petitioner alleged that the society had violated earlier court orders passed in 2023, wherein it had undertaken not to engage bouncers or obstruct residents from feeding stray animals.

The Court reiterated its earlier stance that feeding stray dogs within the premises cannot be interfered with and emphasized that any continuation of such obstructive measures would amount to contempt of court.

“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 noted in its order.

The petitioner had submitted that despite the society’s earlier undertaking, two individuals—Manisha Rohan Sen and Nazia Filavi Khan—who had previously served as bouncers, were reappointed as “special security personnel.” Puthran alleged that they continued to act in the same intimidating manner, a claim supported by photographic evidence placed on record and not disputed by the respondents.

The society, now under administration after its managing committee was superseded in February 2025, was represented by its counsel who expressed willingness to remove the two individuals to resolve the matter and avoid further legal proceedings.

Taking note of this submission, the Court directed Hanumant Pawar, the State-appointed administrator of the society, to relieve the two personnel within two days of receiving the court’s order. It also instructed that water bowls placed for stray dogs must not be removed.

To avoid future disputes over the issue, the Court ordered the formation of a five-member committee comprising the petitioner, two dog lovers, and two other residents from the society. This committee is tasked with amicably addressing and resolving all issues related to the feeding and welfare of stray dogs within the society premises.

Advocate Gauraj Shah, along with Advocates Bhuneshwari Kanojia and Samaa Shah, appeared for the petitioner.
Additional Government Pleader Manish Upadhye represented the State.
Advocates Rahul Sarda and Avadhoot Prabhu, instructed by Lex Services, appeared for the housing society.