Electric Car Owner Not Allowed To Charge EV By Posh Noida Apartment's Owners Association

When Pramod Chauhan bought his electric vehicle (EV), he imagined a future of clean, cost-effective commutes. Instead, he found himself entangled in a bureaucratic tangle. His housing society, Sunworld Vanalika in Noida’s Sector 107, refused to let him charge his EV onsite, forcing him to escalate the matter to the district magistrate. Chauhan’s struggle isn’t isolated-it reflects a nationwide clash between rapid EV adoption and outdated infrastructure in residential complexes.

The Noida Standoff: Charging Rights Denied

Chauhan’s society permits existing EV owners to use personal charging points installed under previous management but denies new users like him the same right. Despite multiple appeals, the Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA) insists it needs “guidance from the district administration” before allowing interim solutions. The AOA president cited concerns over the society’s sanctioned electricity load, which wasn’t designed for vehicle charging. Noida’s administration has scheduled meetings with stakeholders, but a clear policy remains elusive.

This mirrors a recent case in Noida’s Amrapali Princely Estate, where a resident was fined ₹25,000 for charging his Mahindra XUV400 using his domestic meter. Such conflicts underscore a glaring gap: while the government pushes EVs, housing societies lack frameworks to support them.

Bombay High Court’s Ruling: A Legal Lifeline for EV Owners?

In February 2025, the Bombay High Court delivered a verdict with far-reaching implications. It ordered Maharashtra to draft rules compelling housing societies to allow private EV charging points, citing the state’s duty to promote sustainable mobility. While the ruling technically binds only Maharashtra, it sets a persuasive precedent for other states. Until the Supreme Court intervenes, similar cases nationwide could leverage this judgment to demand policy reforms.

The court emphasised that societies cannot hide behind “lack of policy” to block residents. It also directed authorities to amend cooperative housing bylaws, ensuring EV infrastructure becomes a right, not a privilege. For Noida’s Chauhan, this ruling offers hope-if Uttar Pradesh adopts similar guidelines, his society’s resistance could crumble.

Sanctioned Load: The Silent Hurdle

Even with court mandates, older societies face a practical hurdle: sanctioned load. This refers to the maximum electricity capacity approved by discoms during construction. Adding EV chargers-which draw significant power-risks overloading the system, potentially tripping circuits or incurring penalties.

Noida’s power department permits domestic EV charging if the load isn’t exceeded. However, upgrading infrastructure requires time and funds. Societies like Sunworld Vanalika argue they need discom approvals before expanding capacity, creating a chicken-and-egg dilemma. As one official noted, “If the solution isn’t found, the matter will escalate to the government”.

Balancing EV Ambitions with Ground Realities

The government’s EV push hinges on home charging, which is cheaper and more convenient than public stations. Yet, apartment dwellers face unique challenges. Builders rarely pre-install charging infrastructure, leaving residents to navigate AOAs, discoms, and fire safety norms.

Solutions gaining traction include shared charging hubs in common areas to reduce costs, subsidised infrastructure upgrades for societies willing to retrofit, and clearer directives from state electricity boards to streamline load approvals. However, implementation remains fragmented.

A Waiting Game for Policy and Power

The Bombay High Court’s ruling is a step forward, but its success depends on execution. States must translate judicial wins into actionable policies, addressing both legal and technical barriers. For now, EV owners like Chauhan remain caught between India’s green ambitions and ground realities. Frustration is palpable among early adopters, with many arguing that owning an EV in an apartment shouldn’t feel like a rebellion.

Until sanctioned load upgrades and bipartisan policies become the norm, the EV revolution will remain parked in uncertainty. The clock is ticking-for residents, housing societies, and a nation racing toward a sustainable future.