
Kerala High Court ruling brings cheer to pet owners
The Hindu
Flat owners’ associations cite practical difficulties of having pets in apartments
The recent Kerala High Court verdict rendering clauses in bylaws of residents associations banning owners or occupiers of residential apartments from keeping pets of their choice and accessing elevators and common facilities in apartment buildings as void and unenforceable in law seems to have divided opinion.
While flat owners associations are disappointed about the ruling, it has brought cheers to enthusiastic pet owners and animal welfare organisations.
“We haven’t yet broached the subject. However, it seems like associations will have to create awareness about the practical difficulties of having pets in flats and appeal to tenants to desist from it voluntarily. We will have to meet and issue guidelines on the basis of majority opinion,” said V.S. Somanathan, general secretary, All Kerala Flat Owners Association.

Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa had challenged the first information report registered on March 14, 2024, on the alleged incident that occurred on February 2, 2024, the chargesheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the February 28, 2025, order of taking cognisance of offences afresh by the trial court.