India, July 17 -- From football matches in the society playground to access to clubhouses and parks, and even disputes over flowerpots placed in common areas to enhance aesthetics, conflicts over the use of shared spaces are becoming increasingly common in gated communities.

But can an apartment association stop children from playing football simply because a few residents complain about noise or inconvenience? The Karnataka High Court has answered with a clear message: apartment associations cannot impose blanket restrictions on the use of common play areas through arbitrary rules.

Any curbs must be backed by the association's registered bye-laws, follow due process, and be reasonable, reinforcing residents', especially children's righ...