Karnataka High Court lays down norms for authorities to monitor PG accommodations in Bengaluru

In a bid to address the proliferation of illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations in Bengaluru, the High Court of Karnataka has released a comprehensive set of guidelines for monitoring, regulating, and inspecting these establishments. Justice Suraj Govindaraj, concerned about the potential risks to the large number of people residing in these illegal PGs, issued the guidelines in addition to the existing norms.

The court was hearing petitions from PG operators who challenged notices issued by city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). According to the GBA, nearly 2,500 of the 5,000 PGs in the East Zone are illegal, and action is being taken against them. The guidelines aim to ensure that PG accommodations operate from legally permitted premises and meet various safety requirements.

Authorities are required to identify all PG premises, regardless of their licensing status, and verify building and land-use compliance, including sanctioned plans, zoning, unauthorised floors, terrace rooms, converted parking spaces, and blocked staircases. Fire safety must be a top priority, with mandatory checks for fire extinguishers, alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, exits, and evacuation routes.

Privacy and dignity of occupants are paramount, with CCTV cameras prohibited in bedrooms, bathrooms, changing areas, and other private spaces. The guidelines also call for the establishment of a unified digital database of PG accommodations and coordination among departments. If violations are found and no action is taken by the concerned officers, they would be held personally liable for any untoward incidents.

The hearing was adjourned to September 28, with the GBA required to submit a status report detailing the number of PGs identified, violations found, and actions taken against these breaches.