Mumbai: The Bombay High Court strongly criticized Seawoods Estate Society in Navi Mumbai for failing to comply with its earlier directives regarding filing of an affidavit and warned of initiating contempt of court action against the society and its office bearers. The society had come under the HC scanner for not allowing one of its members, Leela Verma, to feed stray dogs and not permitting the member’s maid to enter the society premises.

A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna also took serious note of contemptuous communications issued by society representatives, particularly Cultural Director Vineeta Srinandan and authorized representative Alok Agarwal.

The division bench stated that the emails and letters exchanged by society representatives appeared to be in criminal contempt of court. The court emphasized that the tone and content of these communications were “conscious and brazenly derogatory,” showing clear disregard for its previous order dated January 21, 2025.

The HC observed that while it would have immediately initiated contempt proceedings against Srinandan, it could not do so as she is currently in Abu Dhabi. However, the court made it clear that her writings amounted to serious criminal contempt.

Agarwal, who was present in court on behalf of the petitioner society, acknowledged the lapse and assured the bench that an unconditional apology would be tendered. He stated that the letters were written by Srinandan and other such communications, including an email addressed to resident Leela Verma, would be unconditionally withdrawn.

Accepting his statement, the court directed the society to immediately issue clarificatory circulars apologizing for the previous communications and ensure that the apology is prominently displayed on the society’s notice board and emailed to all members.

“We direct the Board of Directors to pass a resolution expressing regret and remorse with action taken by Vinita Srinandan and any action board proposes to take against her for such conduct of hers,” it emphasised.

Additionally, the court instructed Agarwal to submit an affidavit of unconditional apology on behalf of Seawoods Estate Ltd., along with an undertaking confirming compliance with the January 21 order. The affidavit must be placed on record before the next hearing on February 7.

While issuing these directions, the court also observed that the actions of Srinandan appeared to be her independent initiative and not necessarily endorsed by the society’s Board of Directors. However, it warned that appropriate legal action would be taken against all individuals responsible for issuing communications that undermined the court’s authority and interfered with the administration of justice.

“There has been a complete and deliberate breach of our orders. This society thinks it can do anything… Control the lives of others…,” Justice Kulkarni said.

The case stems from an ongoing dispute regarding the rights of residents to feed stray dogs and the alleged harassment faced by a resident, Leela Verma. On January 21, the Bombay High Court had ruled that if the society had any grievances regarding stray dog feeding or the designated feeding areas, it should approach the municipal corporation rather than harassing residents. The court had specifically barred the society from obstructing municipal authorities from taking lawful actions and had prohibited interference with residents feeding strays at designated spots.

Verma had filed an application in the petition filed by the society challenging Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The rule mandates that residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and apartment owners’ associations (AOAs) allow stray animals to be fed on their premises. It also requires local authorities to designate feeding areas and make necessary arrangements for community animals.