Festivals in Housing Societies: Common Areas, Contributions, Noise and Disputes in Maharashtra

Housing societies in Mumbai bring together families of many faiths and traditions. Festivals are celebrated in compounds, clubhouses and terraces, and most go smoothly. When disputes do arise, they are usually about money, common areas, noise or fairness. This guide explains the general legal position for co-operative housing societies in Maharashtra.

Who decides about common areas

• Common areas (compound, terrace, clubhouse, podium) belong to the society, and their use is governed by the society’s bye-laws and decisions of the managing committee and general body.
• A society can lay down reasonable rules: booking in advance, timings, cleanliness deposits, and limits on structures and noise.
• Rules should apply equally to all members and all festivals. Allowing one community’s celebration while refusing another’s in similar circumstances invites a challenge.

Festival contributions

• Festival collections are not among the standard maintenance charges that societies levy under the model bye-laws. Treat them as voluntary.
• Adding a festival charge to the maintenance bill, or penalising members who do not contribute, can be challenged before the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies.
• A festival committee collecting money from outsiders or the public may need permission under Section 41C of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act. See Section 41C.
• Keep accounts of festival collections and share them with contributors.

Noise, safety and conduct

• Loudspeakers in a society compound need police permission, and the 10 pm to 6 am rule applies outdoors, except on notified festival days.
• Firecrackers: see Diwali firecracker rules.
• Temporary structures, lighting and cooking in common areas should be fire-safe.
• Qurbani at a building within BMC limits needs both the society’s NOC and BMC permission. See Bakri Eid qurbani rules.

Members’ own homes

Celebrations inside a member’s own flat are the member’s own affair, subject to the general law on nuisance and noise. Societies should not police private religious observance within flats.

Resolving disputes

1. Raise the issue in writing with the managing committee; most disputes are resolved there.
2. Take it to the general body meeting if needed.
3. For disputes about society decisions, bills and discrimination in the use of common facilities, complain to the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies. Some disputes go to the Co-operative Court.
4. For noise or harassment, approach the police.

Frequently asked questions

Can the society refuse permission for our festival in the compound?

It can regulate use reasonably and fairly, for example on timings or space. A refusal that treats one community differently from others in similar circumstances can be challenged.

Can the society add Ganpati or Navratri contributions to the maintenance bill?

Festival contributions are best treated as voluntary. A compulsory levy can be challenged before the Deputy Registrar.

See also: illegal charges by housing societies.

Planning ahead? See the festival permissions calendar 2026–27 for dates and when to start preparing, or all festival guides.

Related service: Festival and Event Permissions in Mumbai: Legal Guides

Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.

This guide describes the general position as understood in October 2026. Each society’s registered bye-laws should be checked. It is not legal advice.