Bengaluru Society Fines Resident Over Rs 15,000 For Keeping Shoe Rack In Corridor News24 –

In an unusual case in Bengaluru’s Electronic City, a resident of Prestige Sunrise Park has been fined more than ₹15,000 for failing to relocate a shoe rack that was placed outside their apartment, after several reminders and penalties had increased.

According to a report in the Times of India, the residential society – at the Norwood block of the complex – had started a campaign to remove all personal property, including shoe racks, potted plants and storage boxes, from the common user areas. The goal of the initiative was to enhance safety in the corridors and for legal compliance with fire safety regulations, which state that exit paths in high-rise buildings must be kept clear.

After a two-month grace period and numerous communications, almost all of the 1,046 apartment owners followed the rule without resistance. Notices were made available, and the Residents’ Association had meetings to ensure residents had enough time and understood the anticipated compliance.

There were only two households to begin with that did not follow the rule. One removed their items, and the second resident did not comply with the request.

As per Arun Prasad, Resident’s Association president, the resident concerned continued to maintain the shoe rack in the corridor, and paid an advance fine of ₹15,000, stating the association could keep it as a payment towards daily fines for a future penalty.

The association is currently levying ₹100 daily fines for breaches of its by-laws, but is thinking of increasing to ₹200 for this case.

“Common areas are not meant for personal storage,” Prasad said according to the publication. “While we appreciate the majority of residents following the rules, such repeated violations pose a serious safety hazard, especially in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation.”

The association reported when the drive first commenced, about half of the residents had some personal item outside their flats. Donna reported that over time, consensus was built to keep clear passageways and compliance improved tremendously.

On the other hand, the persistent resident continues to pay the fine and requests to keep the shoe rack outside and is saying that she also wants no more disturbance on the matter.