HC orders citywide inspection of paying guest facilities to enforce safety and building norms

Karnataka High Court directs GBA medical and planning officials to verify compliance with trade licence rules, construction approvals, and safety standards across Bengaluru PG accommodations.

The Karnataka High Court has ordered a comprehensive inspection of paying guest (PG) accommodations across Bengaluru to ensure strict compliance with trade licence conditions, building norms, and safety regulations.

The court directed the jurisdictional Medical Officer of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), along with the Additional Director of Town Planning (ADTP), to physically inspect each property belonging to members of the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association and other petitioners. The objective is to verify whether they have adhered to the terms and conditions laid down in the guidelines for granting trade licences, as prescribed in the Chief Commissioner’s order dated August 7, 2024.

Also Read:₹23.88 cr cocaine seized at Bengaluru airport, Brazilian national arrested in major NCB crackdown

Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the order while hearing a petition filed in 2025 by the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association, which challenged the legality of notices served by BBMP authorities during March, July, and October 2025. The petitioners argued that they had already complied with the prescribed conditions.

The court instructed that the inspection process should begin at 10.30 am on February 18, 2026, and be completed within two weeks. Officials have been asked to examine whether the constructions follow approved building plans. In cases where no plan sanction exists, authorities must check if the structures conform to applicable building by-laws and zoning regulations.

The court also allowed the petitioners to be present during inspections or send representatives. However, it warned that any lack of cooperation would result in denial of equitable consideration. The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 16.

Also Read:Trading addiction on the rise in Bengaluru: NIMHANS doctor sounds alarm over growing youth crisis

As per Section 305 of the BBMP Act, 2020, the then BBMP had framed ten mandatory conditions for issuing trade licences to PG accommodations. These include installation of CCTV cameras, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, providing safe drinking water, obtaining FSSAI licences, deploying at least one security guard, securing fire safety clearance, displaying helpline numbers, maintaining first-aid facilities, and ensuring proper segregation of solid waste.

Authorities were also directed to monitor compliance once every six months. The High Court’s directive aims to strengthen enforcement and ensure safety, legality, and better living conditions in PG facilities across Bengaluru.