Is it Legal for a Housing Society to Ban Pets in Elevators?

No, housing societies cannot legally ban pets from using elevators.

According to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), any resolution passed by a Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) to restrict pets from common facilities like lifts, parks, or lobbies is illegal and arbitrary.

Courts have consistently held that pets are "members of the family," and denying them elevator access constitutes a "deficiency in service" since owners pay maintenance for common areas.

While societies can implement reasonable safety regulations, such as requiring leashes or designating specific service lifts, a blanket ban is considered a violation of the fundamental duty to show compassion toward living creatures under Article 51A(g).