{
  "id": 8044548,
  "title": "Karnataka High Court lays down norms for authorities to monitor PG accommodations in Bengaluru",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/karnataka-high-court-lays-down-norms-for-authorities-to-monitor-pg",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:10:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-high-court-lays-down-norms-for-authorities-to-monitor-pg-accommodations-in-bengaluru/article71477016.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "GBA tells court that nearly 50% of the 5,000 PGs in city’s East zone are illegal",
  "key_points": [
    "High Court issues guidelines for monitoring illegal PGs in Bengaluru.",
    "Authorities must verify building compliance, fire safety, and privacy standards.",
    "Violations may result in personal liability for officials."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
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        "published": "2026-09-17T11:19:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Court acquits tricycle driver accused of murder",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/court-acquits-tricycle-driver-accused-of-murder",
        "published": "2026-09-17T12:16:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Woman branded witch, forced to ‘eat excreta’: Gauhati High Court grants bail to accused",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/woman-branded-witch-forced-to-eat-excreta-gauhati-high-court-grants",
        "published": "2026-09-17T13:30:39.000Z"
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      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Kerala High Court directs Railways to shift electrical infrastructure at Pachalam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/kerala-high-court-directs-railways-to-shift-electrical-infrastructure",
        "published": "2026-09-17T16:15:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "High Court bars parties from reporting who voted at polling stations ahead of election",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/high-court-bars-parties-from-reporting-who-voted-at-polling-stations",
        "published": "2026-09-17T16:50:48.000Z"
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    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}