A tenant in a housing society in Sector 62, Noida, was taken into custody on Friday after he rammed through a boom barrier and assaulted a security guard. The incident occurred when he was stopped from vacating his flat over unpaid maintenance dues.
Incident Details
Sukhdev Sharma, president of Rajat Vihar Society's apartment owners association (AOA), claimed that Daksh Priyansh lived as a tenant in the society for several months but did not pay maintenance charges. When the AOA learned he intended to vacate, it instructed security personnel not to allow him to leave until the dues were cleared.
On Friday evening, Priyansh attempted to drive out with his belongings loaded into his car. When the guard at the exit gate refused to lift the boom barrier and asked him to settle the outstanding amount, Priyansh accelerated through it, smashing the boom barrier. He then stepped out of his vehicle, shoved guard Hoob Lal to the ground, and assaulted him before bystanders intervened. Priyansh fled in his car.
Arrest and Legal Action
After the AOA reported the incident, police from the Sector 56 outpost apprehended Priyansh within the hour. A senior police officer said Priyansh was arrested under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for disturbing peace. “Further action is being initiated following an investigation,” the officer said. The case is being handled by Sector 58 police station.
Broader Implications
The incident has raised questions about how far housing societies can legally go in withholding exit over unpaid dues, and what happens when enforcement is left to a guard at a gate. Legal experts suggest that while societies have the right to recover dues, they cannot use force or detain individuals, as that could lead to legal repercussions.
This case highlights the need for clearer guidelines on dispute resolution between tenants and housing societies, especially regarding maintenance fees. The AOA is expected to pursue civil remedies to recover the outstanding amount.
