‘Explain bias against minority homeseekers’

Happy Jivan Co-op Housing Society in Vasai, which landed in a controversy after 11 members of the society allegedly denied flat to a Muslim family

Taking serious note of discrimination on the basis of religion in the Maharashtra housing market, the National Minority Commission has issued a showcause notice to the chief secretary of Maharashtra asking the official to explain why such a situation existed in the state. The letter was sent following a few complaints received by the Commission regarding discrimination on the basis of religion while renting of houses in Mumbai.

“The National Minority Commission has sought an explanation from the chief secretary about discrimination based on religion. It has stated in the letter that the Commission has received a few complaints and also pointed out that no rules permit discrimination, especially while buying or renting houses,” an official from Mantralaya said, on the condition of anonymity.

The chief secretary’s office has forwarded the letter to the minority department and the home department to collect information from across the state and prepare a comprehensive report.

A home department official said that they have already sought information from the police stations concerned where such complaints were registered.

The report from the home department will be soon sent to the chief secretary’s office, the official added.

In September 2016, the Palghar police booked 11 people for denying flat to a Muslim family in their society. Last year, a Muslim woman Misba Quadri had made allegations that she was denied flat on rent at Wadala because of her religion. She had then complained to the Commission regarding the same.

An official from the minority department said that the existing rules were sufficient to curb discrimination. “Our department is meant for the welfare of the minority community. It is true that there are various types of religious discriminations. However, the existing laws are sufficient to prevent the discriminations. The police has always taken action in such cases,” the official said.