At Prestige Sunrise Park Phase 1 in Bengaluru, one man’s dedication to footwear storage has sparked bewilderment. In a high-rise complex with 1,046 units, a single shoe rack has racked up Rs 24,000 in penalties…and counting.
According to a report by Times of India, it all started when the Residents’ Association launched a cleanliness and safety drive, asking residents to remove personal belongings from shared corridors. Shoe racks, potted plants and storage cabinets were all targeted. Notices were sent, polite reminders followed and a generous two-month grace period was given. Around half the residents were in violation. Most complied. Some grumbled. But one resident stood firm.
While every other resident cleared the common area, this lone ranger not only refused to remove his shoe rack but reportedly paid Rs 15,000 in advance fines, essentially reserving space for his footwear storage. The fines have since ballooned to Rs 24,000 over eight months, and the Association is now considering doubling the penalty to Rs 200 per day.
“We tried everything from reminders, discussions, appeals to fire safety norms. He just keeps paying,” president of the Residents’ Association Arun Prasad told ToI.
According to fire safety guidelines, corridors must remain clear for emergency evacuation. But for this determined resident, the shoe rack isn’t clutter. Whether it’s convenience, principle or just plain stubbornness, one thing is clear – in this battle of bylaws vs boots, the shoes are standing their ground.