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The Karnataka High Court has directed civic authorities to conduct physical inspections of paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru to verify compliance with licensing, safety and hygiene norms. The order came while hearing petitions filed by PG operators challenging notices issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike under the BBMP Act, 2020. The court noted that compliance claims need on-ground verification and asked officials to inspect each property for adherence to building approvals, zoning rules and trade licence conditions. The inspection findings will guide further judicial consideration.
The Karnataka High Court has instructed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to carry out detailed inspections of paying guest accommodations operated by members of the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association and other petitioners in Bengaluru. The direction was issued during hearings on petitions challenging notices served by the civic body for alleged violations of trade licence and operational norms. Advertisement
The petitioners contended that they were complying with conditions laid down under the BBMP Act, 2020, and relied on earlier directions issued by the Chief Commissioner that had outlined the framework for regulating PG accommodations. They argued that the recent notices were issued without proper verification of actual compliance on the ground.
After examining the submissions, the court observed that the dispute could not be resolved solely on documents and required factual assessment. It therefore ordered physical inspections of the PG premises to determine whether they meet statutory and regulatory requirements.
The inspection teams are to include the jurisdictional medical officer and the assistant director of town planning. These officials have been asked to verify whether the buildings are constructed in line with sanctioned plans, whether land use and zoning norms are being followed, and whether the premises are being used strictly for permitted purposes.
The court also directed verification of compliance with trade licence conditions. These include minimum space norms for occupants, availability of clean drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, functional CCTV surveillance with mandated data retention, fire safety clearances, waste management arrangements, and deployment of verified security personnel. PGs operating kitchens must also hold valid food safety licences.
PG operators or their representatives have been allowed to remain present during inspections. The court made it clear that lack of cooperation during the process could affect the relief sought by the petitioners. The inspection exercise has been given a defined timeframe, after which the findings are to be placed before the court.
Regulation of PG accommodations in Bengaluru has seen increased scrutiny in recent years, with authorities tightening enforcement following complaints related to safety, overcrowding and unauthorised operations. The present order reinforces the emphasis on uniform compliance rather than selective enforcement.
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