The Karnataka High Court has issued a set of guidelines for the regulation, inspection and safety of private paying guest (PG) accommodations in Bengaluru, directing authorities to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the protection of the rights and safety of occupants. Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the directions in a September 10 ruling, while considering a case concerning the regulation of paying guest accommodations.
The Court has also directed the authorities to submit a consolidated protocol within six weeks covering applicable requirements, enforcement responsibilities, inspection methodology and consequences of non-compliance.
During the hearing, counsel for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) informed the Court that notices had been issued to 68 paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru North.
The Court was also informed that approximately 5,000 paying guest accommodations operate in Bengaluru East, of which nearly 2,500 were allegedly being run without proper licences, sanctioned plans or adequate fire safety arrangements.
The authorities stated that cases would be filed before competent civil courts against illegal PG accommodations, wherever necessary, following an opportunity of hearing to the concerned establishments.
Taking note of the seriousness of the matter and the number of people residing in paying guest accommodations, the Court issued guidelines covering the following aspects. The competent local authority must identify all premises operating as PG accommodations, including establishments operating without licences, with expired licences or in buildings not approved for such use.
The Court directed authorities to examine the actual nature of activities rather than rely solely on the nomenclature adopted by operators. The Court directed that fire safety be treated as a primary life-safety requirement. Inspections must include verification of fire safety clearances, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, staircases, evacuation routes, emergency exits and LPG and kitchen safety arrangements.
The guidelines also require inspection of electrical panels, earthing, circuit protection, overloaded circuits, exposed conductors, unsafe alterations and other electrical hazards.
Where defects pose an immediate risk of fire, electrocution or death, authorities must take immediate action in accordance with law.
The Court specified that CCTV compliance must extend beyond installation. Inspections must verify camera coverage, entrances and exits, common corridors, recording, date and time accuracy, storage capacity, retention period and power backup. The guidelines prohibit installation of CCTV cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets, changing areas or other locations where occupants have a legitimate expectation of privacy.
