Hyderabad, July 21: In many residential colonies across Hyderabad, unregistered or self-declared “Cultural Associations” are increasingly misusing their names to function as de facto Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), issuing notices, collecting funds, and intimidating residents. Legal experts and civic officials are warning citizens that such associations have no legal authority to govern residential colonies or apartment buildings, and that residents facing harassment can now take strong legal action under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Cultural Associations: Limited Purpose, No Governance Powers
A cultural association, even if registered under the Telangana Societies Registration Act, 2001, is only permitted to promote activities such as festivals, cultural programs, and community welfare initiatives. It cannot enforce by-laws, collect maintenance fees, impose fines, or make binding decisions on residents unless it is also a properly registered RWA or Apartment Owners’ Association.
Unfortunately, in many colonies—particularly those that are still unregularized—such associations are:
Formed by a few individuals without democratic elections
- Advertisement -Misusing titles like President and Secretary
Installing gates to block public roads
Circulating notices, demanding money, and threatening non-compliant residents
“Any society formed solely for cultural purposes cannot enforce colony rules or act as an RWA. Residents must approach the MRO or Registrar of Societies if they are facing harassment,” said a GHMC Circle Officer in Serilingampally Zone.
What the Law Says: No Enforcement Power Without Proper RWA Registration
According to legal experts, these groups hold no statutory authority to govern or impose rules. Only RWAs registered with valid objectives under relevant housing and apartment ownership laws can represent residents legally. Even then, decisions must be made democratically.
GHMC officials clarify that “cultural societies are not recognized as RWAs” for purposes such as civic coordination, building regulations, or road management.
Residents Can File Cases Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Residents who are being harassed, threatened, or forcibly restricted by such groups can now seek justice under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code.
Here are some key sections that can apply:
Section 77 – Criminal Intimidation: If any member of such an association threatens residents to pay money, vacate, or face consequences
Section 79 – Insult with Intent to Provoke Breach of Peace: Used when verbal abuse or public shaming is carried out by such members
Section 125 – Wrongful Restraint: If they block access roads, parking, or restrict free movement of residents
Section 268 – Public Nuisance: If the association’s actions cause general inconvenience, harassment, or obstruction
Section 302 – Criminal Trespass: If committee members enter another person’s property or attempt to occupy common areas unlawfully
Police can take cognizable action based on resident complaints, especially if there’s evidence of threats, gate closures, or unauthorized financial demands.
What Residents Can Do
Request the Registration Certificate: If the group is acting as an RWA, verify its legal status through the Telangana Registrar of Societies.
File a Complaint: Approach the local police station, GHMC, or Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) if you are being harassed.
Send a Legal Notice: If needed, a resident can send a legal notice citing specific BNS sections and seek a restraining order through court
Residents’ Rights Cannot Be Overridden
Experts emphasize that cultural associations, while helpful for voluntary events and welfare programs, cannot override individual rights, block access, or govern colonies without proper registration and democratic backing.
“Being part of a registered society doesn’t give anyone the right to behave like an enforcement agency. Such misuse must be legally challenged,” said Advocate Rajesh Singh, a Hyderabad-based civil lawyer.
Call to Action
If you are a resident being intimidated or controlled by a so-called cultural or welfare committee in your colony, don’t remain silent. Report the matter to:
GHMC Helpline: 040-21111111
District Registrar (Societies): Via MeeSeva or registration.telangana.gov.in
Local Police Station: Under BNS 2023, serious action can be taken
Hyderabad is a democratic city, and no group—registered or not—has the authority to rule residents in the name of culture or welfare. Awareness, legal action, and community unity are the strongest tools against such misuse of power.
