Tenant in Goregoan’s Plush Building Fights Back Against Alleged Community-Based Discrimination by Resident Committee
High-stakes legal showdown emerges as tenant accuses society head of discrimination, defamation, and abuse of power; tenant’s bold legal challenge promises to redefine equality and due respect for tenants
Mumbai, November 8, 2024: In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s housing circles, a tenant at Ekta Tripolis, a luxury residential complex in Goregaon West, has levelled serious accusations against the society’s welfare committee. R. Shetty, a resident, has issued a formal legal notice alleging systematic discrimination, defamation, and harassment at the hands of committee member Pankaj Verma, who allegedly attempted to block his entry solely because of his Shetty community background.
The complaint, brought forward by Shetty’s attorney, Adv. Vinod Sampat, contends that Verma misused his authority to unjustly bar Shetty from taking residence, allegedly due to deep-seated prejudice. “My client was denied the right to reside in his rented apartment purely because of his community,” claimed Sampat. According to the legal notice, Verma reportedly pressured the building management to prevent Shetty’s move-in, despite his possessing all necessary documentation, including a police NOC and a valid rental agreement. Shetty was allegedly forced to sign a restrictive affidavit to appease Verma’s demands, actions which the notice describes as “a blatant violation of constitutional rights.”
Beyond physical access, Shetty claims to have endured ongoing harassment and defamation on social media platforms, including the residents’ WhatsApp group, controlled by Verma and hosting over 200 members. The notice states that Verma publicly posted a picture of Shetty in a demeaning light, restricting his ability to respond. According to the complaint, this act was part of a broader campaign to malign Shetty’s reputation within the community.
The alleged discriminatory practices extend beyond these incidents, with claims of repeated harassment by Verma and his spouse, who reportedly accused Shetty of minor infractions, such as improper garbage disposal, in an apparent attempt to pressure him into vacating. “The calculated harassment Shetty has faced represents not only a personal attack but an infringement on his fundamental rights,” noted Adv. Sampat.
The legal notice calls for an immediate public apology and demands that defamatory content be removed from the WhatsApp group within 24 hours. Citing provisions under the newly enacted BNSS Act 2023, the notice warns that failure to comply could lead to criminal and civil charges, with potential offenses under sections 45, 46, 126, 316, 324, 351, and 356. Shetty’s legal team has also demanded transparency regarding the association’s financial records, citing concerns over the management of funds collected for community events.
Adv. Sampat underscored the broader implications of this case: “This is a watershed moment for tenant rights in Mumbai. We are fully prepared to challenge any form of discrimination in court, and we believe this case will set a strong precedent for equity within housing societies. Should the notice’s demands go unheeded, Pankaj Verma could face a legal battle with significant repercussions for housing societies across India.”
With legal tensions on the rise, this high-profile case is expected to capture widespread attention as it raises fundamental questions about discrimination, community bias, and the misuse of authority within housing societies. If unresolved, this legal battle may become a turning point in reinforcing the rights of tenants against prejudice and safeguarding social justice within Mumbai’s real estate market.
