The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued a controversial circular prohibiting all registered residential societies from hosting political rallies, campaigns, or fundraising events within their premises. The immediate ban, enacted under Section 12B of the Societies Registration Act, applies to all 560,000+ registered housing communities across India and follows multiple complaints of coercive political canvassing and security threats to residents.

The circular mandates 24/7 CCTV monitoring of common areas and requires prior police approval for any gathering exceeding 50 people. Violating society’s risk regulations or hefty fines up to ₹5 lakh. While the government claims this ensures “neutral living spaces free from political polarization,” opposition parties have condemned it as an undemocratic curb on grassroots mobilization, particularly during election seasons.

Major federations like the Confederation of Apartment Residents Associations have welcomed the move but seek clarity on enforcement. “Our security staff shouldn’t become political referees,” stated CARA president R.K. Menon. The circular exempts societies’ internal elections but bans all external political activity, including door-to-door campaigning. With state elections approaching in five states, this policy is set to dramatically alter traditional political outreach strategies in urban India.