New Delhi: In a significant judgment that brings major relief to flat owners across India, the Supreme Court has ruled that Co-operative Housing Societies do not have "unlimited freedom" to sit on membership applications. The Court held that if a society fails to take a decision or keeps an application pending for an unreasonably long time, statutory authorities have the full power to step in and grant membership to the rightful owners.

The decision was delivered by a Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta in the case of Shashin Patel and Anr. v. Uday Dalal and Ors. (2026 LiveLaw (SC) 125).

The case originated from a long-standing dispute in Mumbai involving the Marlboro House Co-operative Housing Society Limited. The appellants, who had purchased flats in the building and were residing there peacefully for several years, were repeatedly denied official membership by the society management.

When the homeowners approached the society’s "Authorised Officer," their request was turned down on the grounds that the officer lacked the jurisdiction to make "policy decisions." Left with no other choice, the owners moved the Divisional Joint Registrar under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (MCS) Act, 1960.

The Joint Registrar ruled in favor of the homeowners, directing the society to grant them membership. However, this order was later set aside by the Bombay High Court, which argued that the society alone had the right to decide who becomes a member.

The Supreme Court disagreed with the High Court’s narrow interpretation of the law. Justice Sandeep Mehta, writing the judgment, clarified that while a housing society is an autonomous body, its autonomy is subject to the rule of law and fairness.

"A housing society has the freedom to manage its own affairs, but that freedom is not unlimited," the Court observed.

The Bench noted that the appellants had followed the correct legal path:

They first applied to the society.
Only after the society refused to act did they seek a remedy from the government registrar.
Therefore, the statutory authority (the Registrar) was well within its rights to intervene to prevent a "deadlock" or "injustice."

In many metropolitan cities, homebuyers often face "harassment" or "administrative delays" from housing society committees. Societies sometimes block memberships over disputes regarding transfer fees, past dues of previous owners, or internal politics.

By confirming that the Joint Registrar or statutory authorities can "step into the shoes" of the society management when there is a delay, the Supreme Court has ensured that:

Accountability: Society committees cannot act like "sovereign states" and must follow the timelines prescribed in the law.
Protection of Property Rights: A flat owner’s right to enjoy their property includes the right to be a member of the society.
Judicial Recourse: Homeowners have a clear legal route if a committee is being intentionally difficult.

The Court emphasized that the reasoning used by the High Court—that the Registrar acted "in excess of jurisdiction"—was unsustainable. Since the society had essentially refused to decide, the homeowners were legally entitled to avail themselves of the statutory remedies of appeal and revision provided under the MCS Act.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court allowed the aggrieved members to approach appropriate authorities to seek interest or compensation for the long delays they suffered.

This ruling serves as a stern warning to Co-operative Housing Societies that they must act as facilitators for residents rather than obstacles. The law is clear: the right to manage one’s affairs does not include the right to ignore the law or the rights of individual homeowners.

For thousands of residents currently stuck in "membership limbo," this judgment provides the legal muscle needed to fight back against administrative delays.

Case Title: Shashin Patel and Anr. vs. Uday Dalal and Ors.