India, July 20 -- A co-operative housing society cannot disconnect a resident's water supply for non-payment of maintenance charges, the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies in Vasai West has ruled, directing a society to restore water to a member whose connection had been cut over pending dues.

In a communication sent to the society in June, the deputy registrar's office said "...water is a life necessity, and under no circumstance can water supply be disconnected. Thus, the applicant's water supply should be restored immediately. Kindly ensure that no such grievance is received by this office."

The order follows a complaint filed in March by Shrikant Gangadhar Pawaskar against Everest Apartment Co-operative Housing Society in Va...