BENGALURU — Some residents of Almond Tree Owners Welfare Association (ATOWA), located in Yelahanka, have raised concerns regarding the functioning of the residents’ welfare association, including disputes over maintenance charges and access to certain residential services.

According to residents who have raised objections, the association—registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960—is reportedly collecting maintenance charges from villa and apartment owners. A section of residents has questioned the legal basis for such collections and has claimed that the association does not have statutory authority for mandatory enforcement of maintenance payments.

The complainants have further alleged that certain residents identified as “defaulters” have faced restrictions in accessing community services, including digital resident platforms and some shared amenities. They claim that such measures have impacted elderly residents and individuals requiring medical assistance. These allegations, however, remain unverified independently.

The association’s internal management processes, including general body meetings and elections, have also been questioned by some members, who allege exclusion of individuals involved in payment disputes from participation. The matter is reportedly under ongoing dispute among members of the society.

Residents opposing the current framework have stated that the association should be brought under the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act, 1972, with formally registered bye-laws and consent from all property owners. They have also cited ongoing legal proceedings and past court-related matters involving similar associations in Karnataka.

Some references to earlier legal cases and tribunal orders have been mentioned by residents as part of their representation; however, their direct applicability to the present dispute has not been independently verified in this context.

The issue remains a matter of internal disagreement within the housing community, with differing interpretations between the association management and a section of residents.