A controversial incident at a housing society in Bengaluru has ignited a fierce online debate about discrimination and tenant rights after a group of bachelors were slapped with a hefty fine for having female guests stay overnight.
The Viral Reddit Post and The Rule
The issue came to light through a viral Reddit post titled ‘Unfair Treatment of Bachelors in Society’. The user, a bachelor residing in the society, sought advice from the online community after being fined. According to the detailed post, the society has a specific rule that prohibits bachelors from having overnight guests, while no such restriction applies to families.
The incident occurred on October 31, when the female guests overstayed. The very next day, November 1, the bachelors received an invoice demanding a fine of ₹5,000. The resident expressed frustration, stating that this was their first violation and they did not even receive a prior warning. They emphasized that they pay the same maintenance charges as other residents, yet feel treated as inferior.
Outcry and Advice from the Online Community
The Reddit post quickly garnered significant attention, with users offering a mix of sympathy, outrage, and practical advice. Many commentators saw the fine as an overreach and potentially illegal.
One user suggested a formal legal approach, advising to file a complaint with the registrar of societies and to demand that the society office-bearers put the fine notice in writing with their signatures. The user argued that housing societies have no right to interfere in the private lives of residents.
Another commenter pointed out the apparent illegality of the charge, stating, "They can't charge you even a GST forget about the charges it's a crime what they doing." Others drew analogies, with one remarking that the society was acting like an "Oyo hotel" by imposing such fines.
However, some responses struck a note of caution, warning that while one could technically fight the rule legally, it might lead to friction with the landlord and result in being asked to vacate the flat.
The Core Issue: Equality and Right to Privacy
This incident highlights a broader, recurring tension in many Indian housing societies between collective rules and individual freedoms. The bachelor's central argument hinges on perceived inequality—a rule that applies only to them and not to families, despite equal financial contributions.
The post concludes with the resident's poignant question, reflecting the feeling of powerlessness: "Can I do anything meaningful so that they will reconsider this?" The online debate continues, raising critical questions about the legality of such bylaws and the right to live without discrimination based on marital status.
