Not-so-co-operative Housing Societies

COVID-19 has unfurled a variety of social and economic issues across the world. Laws designed to deal with the crisis (such as the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897) allow the government to take special measures. However, multiple co-operative housing societies across India, driven by herd mentality, have presumed the power to take special measures on their own accord. Co-operative housing societies are reported to impose arbitrary rules such as restriction on entry of self-employed persons and even residents who have been away without such residents furnishing proof of having tested negative for COVID.

Housing societies are primarily governed by State co-operative societies statutes. Although this article focuses on the relevant laws in Maharashtra, corresponding laws in other States are on similar lines.