Karnataka High Court Issues Strict Safety Guidelines for Bengaluru PGs

The Karnataka High Court has issued comprehensive safety and regulatory guidelines for Bengaluru's paying guest accommodations, prompted by authorities reporting that half of the estimated 5,000 PGs in the city's East Zone are operating illegally. The court emphasized strict enforcement to prevent loss of life, while clarifying the rules are not meant to prohibit lawful operations. The directives were issued by a division bench headed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj on September 10, while hearing petitions filed by PG operators challenging notices from the Greater Bengaluru Authority. The GBA informed the court that approximately 2,500 of the 5,000 PG facilities in Bengaluru East are running without proper licenses, building plan sanctions, or fire safety clearances. The court noted that PG accommodations have become a vital housing option for students, employees, trainees, and migrant workers. It stressed that the guidelines aim to ensure these facilities operate from legally permitted premises and are maintained to protect the life, health, safety, and dignity of occupants.