India, April 4 -- In one of the first rulings of its kind, a Bengaluru court has directed an apartment owners' association to disconnect the water supply of homeowners who defaulted on maintenance fees if the dues were not paid within a month.

The case, involving a Bengaluru project, highlights the growing financial strain on housing communities. At least 14 owners had failed to pay their dues. The court noted that the association had been forced to rely on expensive private tankers, emphasizing that the financial burden should not fall on the other residents.

The Bengaluru City Civil and Sessions Court issued orders for four homeowners who had defaulted on maintenance fees of Rs.3.6 lakh, Rs.2 lakh, and Rs.7.8 lakh, respectively.

The ...