Blind Dog Barred from Lift: Mumbai Businessman Files PIL Against Housing Society
Blind Dog Barred from Lift: Mumbai Businessman Files PIL Against Housing Society(Representative image)
In his Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed with the Bombay High Court, Goyal argues that the society’s policies violate the Animal Welfare Board of India’s guidelines and the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act.
Ashish Goyal, a 51-year-old businessman from Mumbai, has turned to the Bombay High Court after his housing society in Lower Parel imposed a ban on his blind pet dog, Ozzy, from using the building’s lifts.
Ashish Goyal adopted Ozzy four years ago after the blind puppy was rescued from a pond. Upon learning of Ozzy’s condition, Goyal decided to adopt him and provide a caring and loving home.
Goyal resides in a cooperative housing society with four towers, each 36 storeys high, and a total of 229 flats. The towers share common amenities like lifts, a gym, and a garden.
The dispute began in January of the previous year when a society member stopped Goyal from using the lift because he was accompanied by his pet dog, Ozzy. Disturbed by the incident, Goyal filed a non-cognizable complaint against the member. However, false claims were made about him by other society members, which created tension and division among pet owners in the society.
Goyal filed a formal complaint with the police about the unwelcoming environment for pet owners. The very next day, the society issued a notice outlining a new “Policy and Guidelines on Pets for Residents of Marathon Era.”
In his Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed with the Bombay High Court, Goyal argues that the society’s policies violate the Animal Welfare Board of India’s guidelines and the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act. Goyal’s lawyer, Siddh Vidya, emphasized that the PIL aims to protect the rights of animals and ensure that they are respected by all residents.
