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‘Useless arrogance’: Bengaluru man refuses to keep shoe rack inside house, pays fine of Rs 24,000 in advance

Bengaluru shoe rack controversy: According to the society’s by-laws, personal items, such as shoe racks, potted plants, and storage cabinets, are strictly prohibited in common areas.

Bengaluru shoe rack controversy: Frustrated, the society association is now planning to double the daily fine from Rs 100 to Rs 200 (Representative image/Pexels)

Bengaluru shoe rack controversy: For the past eight months, a surprising dispute has been brewing at Prestige Sunrise Park, a large residential complex in Bengaluru’s Electronic City. The issue: A single shoe rack placed in a shared hallway. What began as a small disagreement has now become a major conflict, dividing opinions in this peaceful community of 1,046 flats.

It all began when a resident placed a shoe rack just outside his apartment, encroaching upon the shared corridor. According to the society’s by-laws, personal items, such as shoe racks, potted plants, and storage cabinets, are strictly prohibited in common areas. Spotting multiple violations across the premises, the apartment owners’ association issued a circular giving all residents two months to remove such items.

According to a report in TOI, most residents, though initially resistant, eventually agreed. Two residents, however, refused to comply with the new rules. One later gave in and cleared the space, but the second refused to budge. In a move that caught many by surprise, the defiant resident began paying the imposed penalties willingly.

He reportedly prepaid Rs 15,000 in fines, telling the association to consider it a “prepaid fine” in exchange for keeping his shoe rack where it stood. To date, he has paid Rs 24,000 in fines, with no indication of backing down.

Frustrated, the society association is now planning to double the daily fine from Rs 100 to Rs 200, meaning the resident could soon be facing a Rs 6,000 monthly penalty if he maintains his stance, the report said.

The situation has sparked widespread debate within the community. Most residents see the man as blatantly flouting rules meant to ensure shared living standards.

Bengaluru Man Fined Rs 24,000 For Keeping Shoe Rack In Apartment Corridor
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Soon after the incident gained attention on social media, many users reacted. “Totally agree. All personal items should be kept in your flat. People who clutter the common corridors with shoes, kids’ toys, garbage cans are annoying as hell,” a user wrote. “Useless arrogance,” another user commented.

“Someone steal his shoes once, he’ll comply from the next day,” a third user reacted.