Mumbai: Mumbai has long been seen as a multi-cultural, metropolitan city but is that slowly changing now? There are indications to suggest that Mumbai's housing societies are becoming insular.

Gujratis in Walkeshwar, South Indians in Matunga and Muslims in Mumbra guarding their bastions keeping the 'outsiders' out was once a concealed practice but has now become evident in housing societies.

Executive Secretary of Builders Association of India Raju John says, "Everyone wants to live in peace and harmony. Builders and housing societies prescribe memberships so that they can avoid conflicts among residents. Prevention is better than cure."

Case in point - the Talmakiwadi Co-operative Housing Society in Tardeo constructed to house Saraswat Brahmins.

"This society is mainly for Saraswat Brahmins. Outsiders could face a problem here," Resident of Talmakiwadi Co-operative Housing Society Payal Balse says.

Check out the billboard outside this under-construction building Narsey Residency in Juhu.

Owner, Narsey residency Chittu Narsey says, "I am a strict Jain and there will be a temple within the complex. I don't want non-vegetarian food to be cooked. It's against my religion."

But according to the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 housing societies must have open membership and cannot discriminate on any grounds unless the building is being built by a trust.

Even the Supreme Court disallows cooperative societies from restricting membership to certain communities.

So how do societies get around these provisions?

"The sale of flats to vegetarians will be a matter of understanding. It will not be included in the written terms and conditions because it is illegal," Narsey adds.

In the end these whims of housing societies are leading to large-scale segregation in a city known for its cosmopolitan and all-inclusive nature.