Karnataka High Court allows civic body to seal PG accommodations for violating laws

A view of the Karnataka High Court.

The High Court of Karnataka has granted the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its constituent corporations permission to seal paying guest (PG) accommodations which are not petitioners before the court against notices issued to them and are operating in violation of established norms.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order during the hearing on petitions filed by several PGs, through which the court has been monitoring enforcement of norms by the PGs while issuing separate guidelines on safety and other aspects, in addition to the GBA’s norms for PGs.

During the hearing, the GBA’s counsel told the court that the civic body is fully prepared to take strict action against PGs where business is being conducted contrary to applicable regulations and prior directions issued by the erstwhile BBMP and the court.

While accepting the request of counsel appearing for the petitioner-PGs seeking time to comply with the norms, the court clarified that the GBA and the corporations “are free to take action as regards the paying guest accommodations which are not parties to these proceedings and which are continuing their business in violation of the applicable norms.”

Further hearing on the petitions was adjourned till November 4.