Karnataka High Court Mandates Inspection of Bengaluru PG Accommodations
The Karnataka High Court has issued a directive for a comprehensive inspection of premises belonging to members of the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association in Bengaluru. This move aims to assess whether these accommodations adhere to the guidelines established by the civic authorities.
Court's Directive on Compliance Assessment
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, in his order, emphasized that authorities must thoroughly examine the constructions undertaken by the petitioners and their association members. The inspection will focus on determining if these structures align with sanctioned plans. In cases where no plan sanction was granted, the evaluation will scrutinize compliance with all applicable building bylaws and verify that the premises' usage is permitted under relevant zonal regulations.
Inspection Timeline and Participation Guidelines
The court has scheduled the inspection to commence at 10:30 AM on February 18, with a strict deadline for completion within two weeks thereafter. Petitioners are permitted to participate directly in the inspection process or appoint representatives to act on their behalf. However, the court issued a clear warning: failure to participate or cooperate during the inspection will result in the forfeiture of any equitable consideration from the judicial system. The matter is slated for further review on March 16.
Background of the Legal Challenge
The petitioner association has contested various notices issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the former civic authority, to its members during the 2024-25 period. These notices outlined stringent requirements for PG accommodations, which have now become the focal point of the court-ordered inspection.
Detailed BBMP Guidelines Under Scrutiny
The BBMP mandates encompass multiple critical aspects of PG facility operations:
- Surveillance and Security: All entries, exits, and corridors must be under continuous CCTV surveillance, with systems capable of storing footage for a minimum of 90 days from each camera.
- Occupancy and Space Norms: Each occupant must be allocated no less than 70 square feet of space, as per building norms, with licenses issued for specific occupant numbers.
- Hygiene and Amenities: Facilities are required to provide clean, hygienic washrooms and a reliable source of potable drinking water for all occupants.
- Kitchen Regulations: If a facility operates its own mass kitchen, it must obtain a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license within three months of receiving a trade license from BBMP.
- Safety Measures: A 24x7 security guard with verified credentials must be present at all times. Additionally, facilities must secure fire safety clearances, display helpline numbers for BBMP and police, and maintain a readily accessible first aid kit.
Non-compliance with these guidelines carries severe consequences, including potential action under Sections 307 and 308 of the BBMP Act, alongside license cancellation and non-renewal.
Petitioners' Stance on Compliance
According to the petitioners, their properties fully conform to the BBMP building bylaws and zonal regulations, prompting their legal challenge against the notices. The upcoming inspection will serve as a critical verification of these claims, determining the future regulatory landscape for PG accommodations in Bengaluru.
