In many urban areas, apartments are managed through co-operative housing societies. These bodies handle maintenance, services, common facilities and rules for residents. But there is often confusion about how much power the society really has over individual flat owners.
Societies derive authority from their bylaws and relevant co-operative laws. They can collect maintenance charges, enforce common rules on use of common areas, parking allocation, and basic discipline. They can impose reasonable penalties for non-payment and, in extreme cases, take legal steps to recover dues.
However, societies cannot arbitrarily interfere with an owner’s title to the flat, block valid transfers without legal cause, or impose absurd conditions that have no connection with community welfare. Discriminatory practices — such as blanket bans based on religion, marital status, or food habits — can be legally challenged.
Flat owners, in turn, are expected to respect decisions taken in duly convened general body meetings and to follow rules that genuinely support smooth collective living. Healthy societies work on transparency, regular communication and respect for both individual and collective rights.