Nearly half of the 5,000 paying guest (PG) accommodations inspected in Bengaluru East were found to be operating without proper licences, sanctioned building plans or fire-safety clearances, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) told the Karnataka High Court. The disclosure came while the court was hearing petitions filed by PG owners challenging notices issued by civic authorities.
The GBA said notices are being served and that non-compliant establishments could eventually be closed, with demolition possible where constructions violate zoning rules or building bye-laws. The High Court, while stressing the safety and dignity of thousands of residents, has issued detailed directions for continued inspection and enforcement across Bengaluru.
Half Of Inspected PGs Found Non-Compliant
The GBA told the court that around 2,500 of the 5,000 PG facilities inspected in Bengaluru East were found to lack one or more essential approvals, including licences, sanctioned building plans and fire-safety requirements. The inspections covered areas such as Whitefield, Mahadevapura, KR Puram, Indiranagar and CV Raman Nagar, which have a large population of students, employees and migrants working in Bengaluru’s technology corridor.
GBA counsel B S Karthikeyan said notices were being issued to the establishments identified as non-compliant. The Authority has also filed caveats before the High Court and jurisdictional civil courts. After giving owners and operators an opportunity to respond, authorities would pass necessary orders, he said. PGs found to have unauthorised construction could be closed and, where required, demolished.
Court Puts Safety, Dignity At Centre Of Regulation
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, while hearing petitions filed by the Paying Guest Owners Association and individual operators, issued an interim order containing 81 directions for regulating PG accommodations. The court said the large number of people living in such facilities means that safety failures could have serious consequences.
The guidelines require authorities to check building and land-use permissions, occupancy limits, fire exits, alarms, emergency lighting, electrical and LPG safety, sanitation, food safety, CCTV systems and occupant records. They also cover the privacy and dignity of residents, including restrictions on CCTV cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms and changing areas. The court stressed that enforcement must protect occupants as well as neighbours and the wider public.
From One-Time Licensing To Regular Inspections
The High Court directed authorities to move towards a continuous, risk-based system of identifying, inspecting and enforcing compliance rather than treating licensing as a one-time process. It also suggested creating a unified digital database of PG accommodations across Bengaluru. The court said the actual nature of an establishment should be considered, rather than simply the name used by its operator, meaning facilities operating as hostels, co-living spaces or service apartments may also come under scrutiny depending on how they function.
The inspection drive in Bengaluru East followed an earlier High Court direction in February requiring authorities to verify PGs against the conditions attached to their trade licences. The exercise has subsequently been extended to Bengaluru’s other four corporations under the GBA. The matter is scheduled to come up again on September 28, when the GBA is expected to submit a status report on the inspections, violations and action taken.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
PG accommodation has become an important part of Bengaluru’s urban life, providing relatively accessible housing for students, workers and people moving to the city for opportunities. At the same time, residents should not have to compromise on basic fire safety, sanitation, privacy or dignity simply because they are living in rented or shared accommodation.
Regulation must therefore be firm, but also transparent and fair, giving owners and operators an opportunity to comply while protecting residents from unsafe premises. How can Bengaluru balance stronger enforcement with affordable and safe accommodation for the thousands who depend on PGs?
