Delhi Shangri-La Washroom Row: What Does The Indian Sarais Act, 1867 Actually Say?
A viral video from Delhi has brought an unusual 159-year-old law back into the spotlight. A woman who allegedly claimed she was denied access to a washroom at the Shangri-La hotel sparked a debate on X over whether hotels can refuse washroom access to non-guests. During the discussion, some users cited the Indian Sarais Act, 1867, suggesting that the colonial-era legislation gives travellers a…
A recent video from Delhi reignited discussion about a 159-year-old law, the Indian Sarais Act of 1867. The video showed a woman allegedly denied access to a hotel washroom at the Shangri-La hotel, sparking debate on X (formerly Twitter) over whether hotels can refuse non-guests access to toilets. Some users claimed the colonial-era Act gave travelers a right to use hotel toilets.
However, the actual provisions of the Sarais Act are more nuanced. The law was enacted on March 15, 1867, to regulate public "sarais" and "puraos" - facilities providing shelter and accommodation to travelers. It lays out responsibilities for these establishments, such as maintaining cleanliness and providing safety. However, it does not automatically grant anyone a right to use a hotel washroom.
The Act applies specifically to the regulated "sarais" of the 19th century, not modern hotels. The Indian Sarais Act remains listed as a Central Act, but the Law Commission of India has called for its repeal, stating that modern hotels are already regulated by state laws and regulations. The controversy highlights the importance of distinguishing between historical legal texts and contemporary regulations governing today's hotels.
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