VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Rakul Preet Singh reveals how a workout mishap left her bedridden for over month: ‘That one mistake caused me a slip disc’ The ‘magic potion’ behind trees: scientists discover protein that let plants conquer land 470 million years ago Paying for 300 Mbps WiFi but getting only 50? Know how to file complaint and claim relief ‘Panic, uncertainty’: Indian techie recalls moment when friends asked him to leave his own wedding and fly to US Manoj Bajpayee says the hype around the big budgets of movies like ‘Ramayana’, Varanasi’ is a PR tactic: ‘These Rs 500-600 crore that they are talking about…’ Proverb of the day: “The donkey that feared the dust of the road spent its life admiring…” | How Lalit Modi convinced his family to accept his marriage to Minal Sagrani, who was 10 years older: The love story that defied the odds Indian national Gurpinder Singh arrested for attempting to steal $495,000 in gold bars from elderly Florida woman DMK supremo MK Stalin and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (File photo) NEW DELHI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday announced that it will not participate in the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled to take place in the national capital on June 8.The MK Stalin-led party, which was voted out of power after a single term in the recently held Tamil Nadu assembly elections, said it will not attend the meeting because of the Congress.”The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will not participate in the “India” alliance meeting in Delhi on June 8th, where the Congress is taking part! At the same time – on issues raised by other parties included in this meeting that harm the nation’s welfare, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will always raise its voice,” it shared on its X handle.The two parties had fought the polls as allies. However, the Congress later joined hands with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which now governs Tamil Nadu.Also Read: INDIA bloc cracks as Congress snaps 11-year-old DMK tiesThe DMK’s move had been widely anticipated, as it had already announced a break in ties following the Congress’ alliance with TVK.The upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc, the Congress-led opposition alliance, will be its first in several months. It will be held in the backdrop of the recent assembly elections in four states, including Tamil Nadu, and the Union territory of Puducherry. The results strengthened the BJP and dealt a setback to the opposition, although the Congress secured a victory in Kerala for the first time in 10 years and is now part of the government in Tamil Nadu for the first time in almost 60 years.Also Read: Winds of change in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu may steady NDA’s ship in ParliamentThe INDIA bloc was formed in July 2023 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections the following year with the aim of preventing the BJP from winning a third consecutive term. While the BJP went on to secure a third term, it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 2014.Together, the INDIA members hold 234 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. With 22 MPs, the DMK is the fourth-largest constituent of the alliance, after the Congress (99), the Samajwadi Party (37), and the Trinamool Congress (29).About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNo Woman In Karnataka Cabinet: Margaret Alva ‘Deeply Disappointed’ Over DK Shivakumar Oath CeremonyPune IT Firm Abruptly Closes Operations, Over 700 Employees And Interns Left JoblessCongress Tells Cadre To Ignore CJP, Stay Focused On NEET-CBSE AgitationWhy IRCTC Is Verifying 6 Crore Users And Deploying AI Cameras In 800 KitchensBeyond Roads And Troops: Why India Is Building A Model Village Near The LACBJP Alleges TMC MLA Linked To Land Grab, Compensation Fraud And Illegal Construction; Seeks ED ProbeBihar Hospital Fire Claims Four Lives; CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh AidViral Marriage Proposal By Army Captain Draws Scrutiny Over Military ProtocolPermission Pending As CJP Mobilises Supporters For June 6 Jantar Mantar ProtestDelhi Government Orders Crackdown After Fatal Hotel Fire In Malviya Nagar123PhotostoriesGetting married soon? 10 common questions women should ask themselves before tying the knotMillions of women live with period pain, PMOS and UTIs: But experts say that doesn’t make them normalFrom Spiti to Antarctica: World’s most unusual post offices every traveller should visitToo much screen time? 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Doctor explains the brain tumor warning signs people often ignoreMadhuri Dixit just gave denim fabric a couture upgrade with a saree, and the internet can’t look away123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireLauren FryerAbhishek BanerjeeLos Angeles Airport DetentionAuston MatthewsAnnapurna Bhandar schemeKylian MbappeNuclear Scientist DeathKCET Result 2026Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiAnnapurna BhandarFirhad HakimDK ShivakumarKerala MonsoonAbhishek BanerjeeMamata BanerjeeKoyambedu Baw Brawl Jun 04, 2026, 18:17 IST BCECEB DECE (LE) result 2026 released at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecards here Evanescence’s Amy Lee shares joy over 11-year-old son Jack’s new music obsession: ‘The perfect age for metal’ Child behavior expert says these 5 common phrases parents say to their children can hurt them psychologically India expands ethanol map: 5,000 fuel stations planned by 2027 end; Delhi NCR, Pune & more on list UAE announces public holiday for Islamic New Year, three-day weekend for employees | World News . NEW DELHI: Are fitness bands, popularly used for measuring and monitoring physical activities and vital parameters, a communication device?The Supreme Court has agreed to examine this question but has flagged that its Bluetooth connectivity capability could have been the reason for its classification as a communication device.Petitioner GOQii Technologies imported activity trackers/fitness bands, and the consignment was classified as communication devices by the Customs department asking the company to execute provisional duty bonds for Rs 3.64 crore. The goods were released after the company furnished a bank guarantee of Rs 1 crore.Petitioner’s counsel Kumar Sambhav told a bench of Justices P S Narasimha, Aravind Kumar and Shree Chandrashekhar that the fitness bands being measuring/counting instruments should have been classified as ‘pedometers and the like/other’ but customs department erroneously treated the goods as apparatus for ‘transmission or reception of data’ and levied additional duties.The bench agreed to examine the questions raised by the petitioner, issued notice to the Commissioner Customs (imports) and posted the matter for further hearing on Sep 11. “Till the next date of hearing, the bank guarantee shall not be invoked,” the bench ordered.The petitioner said, “The principal and predominant function of the goods, as found on the record, is the measurement and monitoring of physical activity and vital parameters, and that the data-connectivity (Bluetooth) feature is admittedly ancillary.”Justice Kumar said it does not remain a purely measuring device when it can be connected to communication devices like mobile phones and other satellite-based communication systems through Bluetooth and serve as a communication device.The petitioner said before the Customs, Excise & Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), it had placed Bombay IIT’s expert opinion of Bombay IIT that it is not a communication but a measuring device, but the tribunal upheld the customs department’s stand.CESTAT had rejected the company’s plea for classification of fitness bands as ‘pedometers’ saying, “Essential function of all pedometers are that when a person takes each step, a mechanism like swinging pendulum to one side and then back again or swinging hammer touches metal contact to complete an electrical circuit to measure each of such step, in measuring the distance travelled by a person.”Upholding the determination that these fitness bands were communication devices, the CESTAT had said, “Once the activity tracker/fitness band or smart watch is synced with GOQii application, the regular activity data and sleep data, tracked automatically and manually, will be visible to the coaches, who will in turn give daily support, resources, motivation and interpretation of the tracking data to help individual wearer to stay on track so as to reach individual fitness goals.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPune IT Firm Abruptly Closes Operations, Over 700 Employees And Interns Left JoblessCongress Tells Cadre To Ignore CJP, Stay Focused On NEET-CBSE AgitationWhy IRCTC Is Verifying 6 Crore Users And Deploying AI Cameras In 800 KitchensBeyond Roads And Troops: Why India Is Building A Model Village Near The LACBJP Alleges TMC MLA Linked To Land Grab, Compensation Fraud And Illegal Construction; Seeks ED ProbeBihar Hospital Fire Claims Four Lives; CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh AidViral Marriage Proposal By Army Captain Draws Scrutiny Over Military ProtocolPermission Pending As CJP Mobilises Supporters For June 6 Jantar Mantar ProtestDelhi Government Orders Crackdown After Fatal Hotel Fire In Malviya NagarIndia’s Naval Power Grows With Induction Of Five Indigenous Warships123PhotostoriesGetting married soon? 10 common questions women should ask themselves before tying the knotMillions of women live with period pain, PMOS and UTIs: But experts say that doesn’t make them normalFrom Spiti to Antarctica: World’s most unusual post offices every traveller should visitToo much screen time? 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Doctor explains the brain tumor warning signs people often ignoreMadhuri Dixit just gave denim fabric a couture upgrade with a saree, and the internet can’t look away123Hot PicksDelhi Restaurant FireManchester CityDelhi Airport FlightTS LAWCET 2026Lovkesh BajajAnnapurna Bhandar schemeNEET re-exam 2026Annapurna schemeKCET Result 2026Top TrendingDelhi Malviya Nagar Restaurant FireBengaluru MurderK AnnamalaiAnnapurna BhandarFirhad HakimDK ShivakumarKerala MonsoonAbhishek BanerjeeMamata BanerjeeKoyambedu Baw Brawl ‘Perfect complementarity’: India, Venezuela deepen energy ties amid crude diversification push Bobby Deol says watching Alia Bhatt and Sharvari lead ‘Alpha’ was highlight: ‘They brought tremendous dedication and energy to their roles’ Malabar Gliding Frog: Nature’s most unbelievable parenting trick: Meet the Malabar frog that builds a foaming pillow nest with over 200 eggs ‘You could not criticise Abhishek’: TMC rebel explains the breaking point of dissent Jun 04, 2026, 17:38 IST Four players who could replace Virat Kohli in India’s Afghanistan ODI squad ‘Bandar’ gets A certificate from CBFC: CUSS words from Bobby Deol’s film replaced with ‘banjo’ and other mild terms Man who lost nearly 32 kgs reveals the weight-loss mistakes most people keep making Tiananmen 37 years on: China blocks families from visiting graves of victims, deepens crackdown on memory The magnetic wall that could replace drilling: A 29-year-old’s breakthrough invention Updated: Jun 04, 2026, 17:24 IST Who is Sarthak Sidhant? Class 12 student stirs storm with CBSE tender allegations Saif Ali Khan, Varun Dhawan, Shatrughan Sinha, Farhan Akhtar and others arrive for Pahlaj Nihalani’s final rites, Govinda pays tribute – WATCH VIDEOS Skills For Future Generations: 5 life skills parents should teach children because AI can’t replace them Delhi weather disrupts air traffic: 13 flights go around, 11 diverted to other airports Representative image “If you’re a bachelor/young couple with kids, as much as possible, avoid high rises”A software engineer’s recent words in a viral social media post warning bachelors and young couples against living in high-rise societies reignited a debate that has simmered in Indian cities for years. The post, which criticised resident welfare associations (RWAs) for being intrusive and overly controlling, struck a chord with thousands of young urban residents who shared similar experiences of visitor restrictions, moral policing and constant scrutiny.But beneath the outrage lies a deeper question. Why do so many housing societies continue to view bachelors with suspicion? Why do landlords often prefer families over single tenants? And are these concerns rooted in reality, stereotypes, or a mix of both?From metro to tier-III cities, the debate over who makes an “ideal resident” has become one of the tensions of urban housing. As Indian cities grow denser and younger professionals migrate in large numbers for work, housing societies are increasingly becoming places where different generations and lifestyles collide.Why housing societies have rulesModern apartment complexes often house hundreds or even thousands of residents. They function almost like small towns, with shared infrastructure, security systems, parking spaces, lifts, clubhouses and common areas. Rules governing visitor access, noise levels, parking, security verification and maintenance are often created to ensure that such large communities function smoothly.Most residents would agree that some level of regulation is necessary. Few would object to security checks, tenant verification or restrictions designed to prevent genuine nuisance.The problem begins when residents feel that society moves beyond regulation and into interference.Over the years, multiple disputes have emerged over restrictions on visitors, use of common spaces, tenant screening and lifestyle choices. In some cases, RWAs have tightened regulations following specific incidents or security concerns. Some justify it as necessary, while others question the logic. For instance, on the viral techie’s post, one person replied, “I agree excessive monitoring is wrong, but nuisance and late-night disturbance cannot be justified in the name of ‘privacy’. Community living requires basic civic sense and consideration for others, irrespective of whether it’s a high-rise or low-rise apartment.”On the contrary, many questioned the norms while sharing their own experiences of being judged without reason, with one calling it “misplaced frustrations.”The bachelor experienceFor many young professionals, finding a house can be difficult, not just in getting the right facilities but also in dealing with the challenge of not being stereotyped.Across cities, bachelors frequently report being rejected by landlords, asked to pay higher deposits or subjected to stricter conditions than families. Housing societies often require additional approvals, while some landlords openly advertise flats as “family only”.The assumptions are familiar.Bachelors are often associated with late-night parties, alcohol consumption, loud music, poor upkeep of property and frequent visitors. Even when none of these applies, many say they begin the rental process carrying that burden.Recalling her experience of finding a place, Purwa, a working professional, said, “What makes it harder is the constant scrutiny many bachelors face. There are questions about who visits you, when you come home, and how you choose to live. Sometimes it feels like you are being watched all the time. Many owners genuinely care about their property, but at times the constant checking and interference can make tenants feel less like residents and more like people who have to keep explaining themselves”“Young professionals are not looking for special treatment. They simply want to be trusted and treated fairly. Housing societies have every right to maintain security and discipline, but people should be judged by their behaviour, not by stereotypes attached to their marital status. At the end of the day, a rented house is not just a property. For someone living alone in a new city, it is the closest thing to home,” she added.Many owners genuinely care about their property, but at times the constant checking and interference can make tenants feel less like residents and more like people who have to keep explaining themselves.Purwa, young working bachelor, renting in a high riseSimilar concerns were echoed by other young tenants, who said the issue often extends beyond house-hunting and continues even after moving in. “While I may not have been outright denied housing, I have experienced how societies and rental arrangements often treat bachelors differently from owners. There is a clear power imbalance where tenants, especially single tenants, are viewed with suspicion and given less respect,” said Sonali Verma, another bachelor, living in a Noida high rise.Recalling an earlier rental experience, Verma alleged that a flatmate repeatedly violated her privacy by entering her room without permission and monitoring her activities, while her complaints were not taken seriously because she was a bachelor tenant. The episode left her feeling that “as a tenant, my rights and personal space mattered less than those of someone who owned the property”. She further argued that bachelors are often unfairly stereotyped as disruptive, despite her experience showing that problematic behaviour can be found across age groups. Recalling encounters with older residents who behaved in a rude and intimidating manner in public spaces, adding that the issue was “simply individual behaviour”, not age or marital status.I have often noticed that guards, maintenance staff, and society management tend to treat bachelors as if they are temporary occupants who need to be constantly monitored. There is an underlying assumption that tenants, especially young working professionals, are more likely to create problems, which affects how they are treated on a daily basis.Sonali Verma, a bachelor living in Noida high riseThe issue is not new. More than a decade ago, TOI had also reported that many housing societies either discouraged or outright opposed renting homes to single tenants, citing concerns about nuisance and property maintenance.In recent years, social media has amplified these experiences. A Bengaluru housing society’s rules for bachelors became a hot topic after restrictions reportedly included limits on guests and use of common areas.Young couples often find themselves facing similar scrutiny. Unmarried couples in particular complain of moral policing, questions about visitors and discomfort over being constantly monitored and questioned on every little thing.What landlords and families have to sayThe other side of the story cannot be ignored.Many landlords point to instances of property damage, noise complaints, parking disputes or late-night disturbances involving tenants. Like, in May, an X user posted, “As a bachelor and also owner of the PGs, I can say bachelors are the most unhinged creatures lives in the room. Smoking, drinking, party in stricly prohibited areas, Not respecting boundary of the landlord, 0 civics sense. This is not called living in 1970s this is just how life works if you can’t live like normal person don’t blame others for being harsh.”Post on X (@sopyaaaa_xd)Others say bachelors tend to move frequently, making them less stable tenants than families.In a TOI report from earlier this year, an RWA director in Indore was quoted as saying, “In our township, flats are given on rent through brokers. We have instructed them not to give flats to bachelors or for commercial activity. As we cannot ban them legally, so when some bachelors stay, we do a background check, inform the police regarding the tenant, keep a copy of their documents, and observe them strictly. If some residents complain against them, then they are issued a notice and in serious cases police are informed.”Another RWA member from a Noida high rise mentioned how some have resorted to blanket rules due to past instances but did emphasise that it shouldn’t be the norm and rules should be general and for all irrespective of age or marital status. ” Over the years, some societies have faced issues related to late-night disturbances, parking conflicts, or non-compliance with community rules, and those experiences sometimes shape perceptions. That said, it is important to recognise that not every bachelor or young tenant is the same,” he said.Echoing similar thoughts, some have chosen to take it case-by-case. Like Veenit Tiwari, SCC Sapphire, Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad, who said, “I’ve rented my flat in Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad to a young couple and the experience has been largely positive. They’re responsible, respectful of shared spaces, and communicate well. The concerns many landlords have about young tenants are often overstated — in my experience, maturity isn’t defined by age or marital status.”In my experience, maturity isn’t defined by age or marital status.Veenit Tiwari, landlord with flat at SCC Sapphire, Rajnagar Extension, GhaziabadMeanwhile, there is also a generational dimension to the debate.Older residents and those living with families often prioritise security, predictability and a sense of neighbourhood order. Younger residents, particularly those who have moved cities for work, tend to place greater emphasis on privacy and personal autonomy.The result is a clash between two very different ideas of community living.One side sees rules as essential for maintaining harmony. The other sees many of those same rules as intrusive and unnecessary.The danger of stereotypesThe biggest problem with this debate is that both sides often rely on generalisations.There is no denying that some tenants create problems. Every city has examples of flats that become sources of repeated complaints over noise, parking or irresponsible behaviour.But it is equally true that disruptive behaviour is not limited to bachelors.Anyone who has lived in a housing society knows that disputes frequently involve families as well. Parking battles, maintenance disagreements, neighbour feuds, WhatsApp group wars and conflicts over common areas often have little to do with marital status.Being married does not automatically make someone a considerate resident. Being single does not automatically make someone a troublesome one.Yet isolated incidents often end up shaping collective perceptions.Yet some residents say perceptions can change once people get to know their neighbours. Aniket, who lives with his family in a housing society, said initial complaints about bachelor tenants in his community eventually faded. “Only in early phases I heard people complaining about loud music from their flat but since then no complaints have been heard about them,” he said, adding that, “to judge an individual’s behaviour you require some time and interactions. In societies people generally live among themselves or interact with the 2-3 families where they have mutual understanding. Everyone is busy in themselves thus at first glance they judge tenants on age,and other superficial factors like marital status.”I think to judge individual’s behaviour you require some time and interactions. In societies people generally live among themselves or interact with the 2-3 families where they have mutual understanding. Everyone is busy in themseleves thus in first glance they judge tenants on age,and otherAniket, living with his familyThus, when a few tenants create problems, entire groups can become targets of suspicion. Housing policies then begin to reflect assumptions rather than individual behaviour.Aparna Gupta, a 30-year-old finance professional and bachelor in a Gurugram high-rise, said, “While society rules are generally fair, informal expectations can sometimes lead to greater scrutiny of our guests, social lives, and lifestyle choices. I believe community rules should focus on mutual respect and responsible behavior rather than stereotypes about what an ‘ideal’ resident looks like.”Aparna Gupta, a bachelor residing in Gurugram high riseThe rise of WhatsApp governanceAnother factor transforming housing society life is technology.Many disputes that once remained private now play out publicly on resident WhatsApp groups and community platforms.Complaints about visitors, pets, parking, deliveries and noise can quickly become neighbourhood controversies. Residents often describe feeling watched, judged or publicly called out for relatively minor issues.Supporters argue that these platforms improve accountability and communication. Critics say they encourage surveillance and amplify conflicts that could otherwise be resolved through private conversation.The viral post that sparked the latest debate is itself a reflection of this phenomenon. A dispute that began inside one housing society eventually became a national discussion about how urban communities function.What does the law sayLegally, the position is clearer than many people assume.Housing societies do have the power to frame rules, but those powers are not unlimited.Most apartment complexes function under state-specific cooperative housing laws, apartment ownership acts and society bye-laws. These generally allow societies to set procedures related to security, tenant registration, visitor management, maintenance and the use of common areas.In practice, many restrictions emerge through resolutions passed by managing committees or through society bye-laws adopted by residents. Societies may require police verification of tenants, registration of occupants and compliance with security protocols. They can also establish reasonable rules aimed at maintaining safety and order within the community.The debate begins when such rules move beyond administration and into regulating personal choices.That concern was at the heart of software engineer Shravan Venkataraman’s viral post. Criticising life in large gated communities, he alleged that some RWAs attempt to dictate “how one should live in a home they are renting/owning”, including “who can come for a visit, who can’t” and other aspects of residents’ personal lives. His remarks resonated with many users who shared similar experiences involving visitor restrictions, scrutiny of bachelors and what they viewed as moral policing.The issue, however, is hardly new.In 2022, residents of Emerald Court in Noida’s Sector 93A issued notices asking bachelor tenants and students staying in paying guest accommodations to vacate following complaints from some residents. The controversy reignited a long-running debate over whether housing societies should be able to impose restrictions based on marital status or lifestyle choices.Legal experts note that while societies can regulate security and administrative matters, there is no specific law in India that prohibits a person from renting a home simply because they are unmarried or a bachelor. Housing societies generally cannot impose blanket bans solely based on marital status.The reality, however, is that most such disputes never reach a courtroom. Faced with resistance from landlords or housing societies, many tenants simply look elsewhere rather than challenge the decision through legal channels.Additionally, in Maharashtra, for instance, cooperative housing societies function under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960, related rules and approved bye-laws. Any restriction imposed by a society is expected to be legally valid, reasonable and consistent with governing laws.As a result, the debate over bachelors and housing societies continues to be shaped as much by social attitudes and community norms as by the law itself.Finding a middle groundThe debate over bachelors in housing societies is ultimately about trust.Landlords and RWAs have legitimate concerns about security, accountability and peaceful living. Young professionals and tenants have equally legitimate concerns about privacy, dignity and freedom from stereotypes.Neither side benefits when individual incidents are used to judge entire groups.A society cannot function if every bachelor is treated as a potential problem. Nor can it function if residents dismiss all community concerns as interference.As Shamli Gupta, living in a Noida high-rise, with her family, talked about potential solutions for harmony. “Behaviour depends on the individual, not on whether someone is a bachelor or part of a family. Many bachelors are responsible and respectful, just as there can be families who may cause disturbances. While I understand that societies want to maintain discipline and harmony, imposing blanket restrictions on bachelors may not be entirely fair,” she said.“A better approach would be to have clear rules regarding noise, security, and community conduct that apply equally to all residents,” she added.Instead of banning bachelors, societies should have clear rules for everyone—like noise limits and visitor guidelines.Shamli Gupta, a woman living in a joint family in a Noida high risePallavi Joshi, a resident at Veer Banda Bairagi Apartment, Dwarka, who’s with her husband and a baby, echoed this call for mutual understanding. “It’s always good to be with like-minded people and if they are young and with a similar age group that’s even better. It’s easy to build conversations, share ideas and make use of even modern advancements to make the society better,” she said.“One’s behaviour and positive attitude towards society and life encourages you. The younger generation is more aware and has a great outlook towards life. After all, it’s not about the biodata but the person he/she is!” she added.Pallavi Joshi and her partner Virain BhattaAs India’s cities become more mobile, diverse and interconnected, housing societies will have to adapt to changing realities. The challenge is not choosing between rules and freedom. It is creating communities where rules are applied fairly, residents are judged by their conduct rather than their marital status, and differences in lifestyle do not automatically become grounds for exclusion.Because in the end, good neighbours are defined not by whether they are bachelors, families or retirees, but by how they share the space around them.About the AuthorTrisha MahajanTrisha Mahajan is a journalist with The Times of India digital, with keen interest in covering business and corporate affairs. She also reports on key national and world developments and global news trends. A keen reader with a strong interest in storytelling that adds context, clarity, and depth to complex issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPune IT Firm Abruptly Closes Operations, Over 700 Employees And Interns Left JoblessCongress Tells Cadre To Ignore CJP, Stay Focused On NEET-CBSE AgitationWhy IRCTC Is Verifying 6 Crore Users And Deploying AI Cameras In 800 KitchensBeyond Roads And Troops: Why India Is Building A Model Village Near The LACBJP Alleges TMC MLA Linked To Land Grab, Compensation Fraud And Illegal Construction; Seeks ED ProbeBihar Hospital Fire Claims Four Lives; CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh AidViral Marriage Proposal By Army Captain Draws Scrutiny Over Military ProtocolPermission Pending As CJP Mobilises Supporters For June 6 Jantar Mantar ProtestDelhi Government Orders Crackdown After Fatal Hotel Fire In Malviya NagarIndia’s Naval Power Grows With Induction Of Five Indigenous Warships123PhotostoriesMillions of women live with period pain, PMOS and UTIs: But experts say that doesn’t make them normalFrom Spiti to Antarctica: World’s most unusual post offices every traveller should visitToo much screen time? 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New study says they could raise your Dementia risk by nearly 60% ITR filing FY 2025-26: Form 26AS, AIS, new vs old regime, capital gains – Top 10 points to check before submitting tax return Representational image NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused Kerala’s ruling Congress of preferring “sharia over Constitution” in response to a youth’s announcement about opening an “Islam-friendly gym.”BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Congress in Kerala is “bending to the diktats” of its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).”In Kerala, Congress is being remote-controlled by IUML. It is allowing sharia-compliant gyms on IUML’s directions. This clearly shows that the Congress has chose sharia over Constitution,” Bhandari said in a video on his X account.”It is proven clearly that because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress party is now keeping on back, and believing in sharia over Constitution…Because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress party is becoming a threat to security and safety of Hindus in Kerala,” he added.IUML, with 22 MLAs, is the second-largest constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the southern state. The UDF holds 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala legislative assembly.The controversy centres on a fitness facility in Puthunagaram, in Palakkad district. It recently announced plans to transform itself into an “Islam-friendly gym” operating under “Sharia-based guidelines.”The announcement, which was later deleted, was posted on the Instagram account “Nawaz Muthu T.” It stated that the fitness centre, in operation for the past 15 years, would introduce a new set of rules for its members.Under the proposed guidelines, music would be prohibited inside the facility, separate workout timings would be designated for men and women, and members would be required to follow a dress code ensuring that their “awrah” — body parts that Islamic teachings prescribe should be covered — remains concealed while exercising.The proposed changes also stipulate that men and women would not be allowed to work out together, with separate schedules arranged for each group.Women members would be required to wear attire, including a hijab, that covers the body in accordance with the stated religious guidelines.The announcement has sparked debate, drawing mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters have described the initiative as an effort to provide a fitness environment that accommodates religious preferences, while critics have questioned the implications and broader impact of operating a gym based on faith-specific guidelines.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. 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