BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has mandated an inspection of the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association’s premises in Bengaluru to verify adherence to guidelines set by civic authorities.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj stated that officials must determine if the structures erected by the petitioners and association members follow the approved plans. In cases lacking sanctioned plans, compliance with existing building bylaws and permissible usages under relevant zoning regulations must be evaluated.
The inspection is scheduled to commence at 10:30 AM on February 18 and should be completed within two weeks. The court clarified that petitioners could join the inspection or appoint representatives. If they choose not to participate or cooperate, they forfeit any equitable consideration, as noted by the judge, who scheduled further review on March 16.
The petitioner association is contesting various notices issued by the BBMP, the civic authority, to its members in 2024-25. BBMP’s mandates include 24/7 CCTV surveillance of all entries, exits, and hallways, with a storage capacity for 90 days of footage. Additionally, it stipulates that each occupant must have no less than 70 sqft of space and that licenses must reflect the actual number of occupants.
Facilities are also required to provide clean bathroom amenities for residents and ensured access to potable drinking water. If the establishment has a communal kitchen, an FSSAI license must be obtained within three months of receiving the trade license from BBMP.
Further requirements entail at least one security guard on site around the clock, with verified references regarding their character. Compliance with fire safety regulations, displaying BBMP and police helpline numbers, and maintaining a first-aid kit are also mandated. Non-compliance could lead to actions under sections 307 and 308 of the BBMP Act, including license cancellation and non-renewal.
According to the petitioners, their properties comply with BBMP’s building bylaws and zoning regulations.
