The Karnataka High Court has directed civic authorities in Bengaluru to inspect paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city to ascertain compliance with trade licence conditions and building regulations after hearing a petition filed by the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association challenging notices issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) alleging trade licence violations. The Court noted that the petitioners claimed they had complied with the terms of a 2024 order of the BBMP Chief Commissioner issued under the relevant municipal law setting out conditions that must be met for issuance and renewal of trade licences for PG facilities but that fresh notices were issued without proper application of mind. In view of this, the Court held that the truth of these assertions should be verified through an on-site inspection by the appropriate authorities. The inspection was ordered to be conducted by the jurisdictional Medical Officer together with the Assistant Director of Town Planning and to commence from a fixed date, with the endeavour to complete it within two weeks. The bench made it clear that the petitioners and their representatives could participate in the inspection or depute representatives, and warned that non-cooperation or absence during the inspection would result in loss of any equitable consideration by the Court.
In outlining the scope of the inspection, the High Court drew attention to the comprehensive set of requirements laid down by the Chief Commissioner’s 2024 order that govern the grant and renewal of trade licences to PG accommodations under the municipal law. These requirements include ensuring that all entries, exits and corridors are under continuous CCTV surveillance with storage capabilities for footage; that every occupant is provided with a minimum specified space per head according to building norms; that adequate sanitary and hygienic washroom facilities are provided; and that a prescribed quantum of potable water is available to occupants daily. The conditions also extend to ensuring that a mass kitchen, if present, holds a valid food safety licence within a stipulated timeframe of licence issuance, that at least one vetted security guard is on duty 24/7, that fire safety clearances are obtained from competent authorities before granting a trade licence, that emergency helpline numbers are prominently displayed, that first aid kits are available, and that proper solid waste segregation and disposal practices are in place. The BBMP’s order further provides for periodic monitoring of compliance every six months by authorised officers and empowers zonal commissioners to initiate action, including penalties, against facilities found in violation of these norms.
The High Court emphasised the importance of ascertaining whether the construction of the premises used as PG facilities conforms to the approved plan and applicable building by-laws, and whether the land use and configuration of these buildings are permissible under the relevant zoning regulations. Where plan sanctions have not been granted, or if the construction deviates from sanctioned plans or applicable by-laws, additional action may be necessary. The direction for a structured inspection reflects the Court’s concern for regulatory compliance in a sector that has grown rapidly in Bengaluru, and which has recently been the subject of various enforcement actions by civic authorities due to safety, hygiene and zoning complaints.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on a future date, at which point the High Court will examine the outcomes of the inspections and any further submissions from the parties. The order indicates judicial intent to ensure that PG accommodations, which host a significant portion of the city’s migrant workforce and student population, adhere to established safety, health, and regulatory standards governing trade licences and urban building norms.
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