Navi Mumbai: Bombay High Court Issues Contempt Notice Over Society’s Circular on Stray Dog Feeding

Navi Mumbai, 8th February 2025: The Bombay High Court on Friday issued a show-cause notice to a managing committee member of a Navi Mumbai housing society, questioning why contempt action should not be initiated over an “objectionable” circular that defied a court order regarding a dispute over feeding stray dogs.

The society was accused of preventing one of its residents from feeding stray dogs and barring the entry of the resident’s domestic help. The court also stated that it would examine whether contempt proceedings should be extended to other members of the society’s managing committee.

The communication in question was written by Vineeta Srinandan, Cultural Director of Seawoods Estates Limited (SEL), which oversees a residential complex of over 1,500 flats, and her authorized representative, Alok Agarwal.

Last week, a bench comprising Justices Girish S. Kulkarni and Advait M. Sethna stated that contempt proceedings were necessary due to “brazen and derogatory” remarks made against the judicial system in the circular.

On January 21, while hearing an interim plea by the resident, the court had directed the society not to obstruct the entry of her domestic help solely because she was feeding stray dogs. It ruled that such actions violated her fundamental rights. However, the society later issued a circular containing disparaging remarks about the judiciary.

The court instructed the managing committee and the Board of Directors (BoD) of the society’s management firm to pass a resolution expressing regret for Srinandan’s remarks and the tone of her communication. Last week, contempt proceedings were delayed as Srinandan was abroad. The bench also noted that the communication had been issued with the “tacit knowledge and understanding” of the BoD.

On Friday, Agarwal submitted an affidavit on behalf of the society, offering an unconditional apology, which the court dismissed as “casual.” Srinandan’s lawyer requested additional time to submit a revised affidavit.

“The issue is whether we should continue allowing the petitioner to repeatedly file affidavits. It is evident that the objectionable communications, which constitute criminal contempt, were issued with full awareness of the BoD members. There is no indication that they have distanced themselves from these statements,” the bench observed, adding that such actions “cannot be overlooked.”

The court then requested the names and contact details of the BoD members to determine whether contempt action should be extended to them along with Srinandan.

“Anyone holding a position in a housing society carries significant responsibility and public duty, which Srinandan has completely disregarded. In our decades of legal experience, we have not seen such audacity—an educated individual making such remarks about the judiciary. Regardless of education, people generally have the utmost respect for the judicial system. But this is a new phenomenon—people with knowledge tarnishing the court’s reputation and the rule of law. This cannot happen again, and we cannot allow reckless individuals in housing complexes to do this,” Justice Kulkarni remarked.

The bench firmly stated that the language used in the communication undermined the dignity of the court and interfered with the administration of justice, warranting contempt proceedings against Srinandan. A show-cause notice was issued to her, and the next hearing has been scheduled for February 21.