EV Charger Installation in Housing Societies Must Be Allowed, Rules Bombay High Court
EV Charger Installation in Housing Societies Must Be Allowed, Rules Bombay High Court
Court orders state to draft rules mandating cooperative societies to permit EV charging points for residents
In a landmark move supporting India’s clean energy goals, the Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to formulate rules that ensure cooperative housing societies (CHS) allow residents to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points in their designated parking spaces.
The decision came in response to a petition filed by a Malabar Hill-based businessman whose housing society refused him permission to set up a charger for his EV. A division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna issued the directive, which was officially released on Friday.
The court has ordered the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to expedite the finalisation of draft rules concerning EV charger installations in housing societies. It has also asked the Registrar to issue necessary directions under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, requiring societies to amend their by-laws to comply with the new guidelines once they are finalised.
The judgment marks a significant victory for EV users who often struggle with the first hurdle—getting approval from their own societies to set up a basic charging facility. The court acknowledged that housing societies play a crucial role in supporting the State’s wider environmental and mobility goals.
Maharashtra is already taking active steps towards EV adoption. For new buildings, provisions for EV charger installations are mandatory, with builders now required to include a three-pin plug point in every parking slot. This is already being observed in recently constructed residential complexes.
The High Court stressed the broader public interest in facilitating EV adoption, citing its benefits in terms of lower emissions, improved air quality, energy security, and reduced operational costs for vehicle owners. It also highlighted that the Central and State governments have introduced various subsidies and incentives to promote the shift to electric mobility.
The ruling is expected to pave the way for smoother EV adoption across residential communities in Maharashtra, ensuring that access to clean transport is not hindered by outdated housing policies.
