India, Feb. 15 -- In an important ruling that strengthens the rights of flat owners, the Bombay High Court has said that a housing society cannot throw out members simply because they questioned the managing committee or approached courts and government authorities with complaints.

The court set aside the expulsion of five members of a cooperative housing society in Kothrud, Pune, who had been removed after they repeatedly raised concerns about how the society was being run.

Justice Amit Borkar said expelling someone from a housing society is a serious step with major consequences, and it cannot be used to silence dissent. "Expulsion from a housing society carries grave consequences. It cannot be invoked to curb legitimate dissent or la...