The Karnataka High Court has directed authorities to strictly enforce regulatory and safety requirements for paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru after the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) reported that half of the 5,000 PG facilities inspected in Bengaluru East were operating without required approvals.
The GBA told the court that 2,500 PG accommodations were found functioning without proper licences, sanctioned building plans and fire safety clearances. Notices are being issued to the owners of all such establishments.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, while hearing petitions filed by the Paying Guest Owners Association and individual PG owners challenging notices issued by the authorities, stressed the need for continuous enforcement considering the large number of people living in such facilities and the potential consequences of safety failures.
In its September 10 order, the court directed authorities to ensure that PG establishments operate only from legally permissible premises and are maintained in a manner that safeguards the life, health, safety and dignity of occupants. The regulatory framework must also protect neighbouring residents, adjoining property owners and the wider public, the court said.
GBA Initiates Action Against Illegal PGs
Advocate B S Karthikeyan, appearing for the GBA, informed the court that proceedings had begun against the 2,500 establishments identified as illegal during inspections in Bengaluru East.
The inspected areas include Whitefield, Mahadevapura, KR Puram, Indiranagar and CV Raman Nagar, which have a significant concentration of IT and multinational companies.
The Authority has also filed caveats before the Karnataka High Court and jurisdictional civil courts so that PG owners cannot secure ex parte interim stays against enforcement measures without the GBA being heard.
Karthikeyan submitted that appropriate orders would be passed at the earliest after giving the affected parties an opportunity of hearing. Where constructions violate zonal regulations or building bye-laws, demolition could also be undertaken if required.
Court Calls For Continuous Risk-Based Inspections
The High Court issued detailed guidelines requiring authorities to move beyond treating licensing as a one-time regulatory exercise. It called for a continuing, risk-based mechanism for identifying, inspecting and enforcing compliance at PG establishments.
The court also suggested creating a digital database containing details of all PG accommodations operating in Bengaluru.
It warned officials that where violations exist but authorities fail to act, the officers concerned could be held personally liable if an untoward incident occurs.
Inspection Drive Extended Across Bengaluru
The enforcement exercise follows a High Court direction issued in February requiring inspection of PG accommodations to determine whether owners were complying with the conditions and guidelines applicable to trade licences.
The GBA initially carried out inspections within Bengaluru East Corporation. Following further directions from the court, the inspection drive has now been expanded to the remaining four corporations.
During earlier proceedings, the court had been informed that many PG accommodations in Bengaluru East were allegedly violating requirements concerning building compliance, zoning regulations, fire safety and food safety standards.
