Sealing is possible but not yet ordered: the Karnataka High Court has told non-compliant paying guest accommodations in Bengaluru that continued default may invite it, and wants operators to file, by November 4, an affidavit setting out when they will comply.
Bengaluru: Paying guest operators in Bengaluru who have not met safety norms were cautioned by the Karnataka High Court on October 27, 2026 that sealing could follow. For now the Court held back from ordering any closure, stressing that occupant safety comes first [M/s Princess Ladies PG v. The Chief Commissioner and Others].
Writ Petition No. 14750 of 2025, along with connected petitions, was heard by Justice Suraj Govindaraj. Advocate B.S. Karthikeyan appeared for the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
A warning, and an affidavit due by November 4
No establishment has been sealed at this stage. The operators have been directed to place on record, by way of affidavit, the timeline within which they will comply with the requirements, and the matter is listed with that affidavit due by November 4, 2026.
Safety of the occupants would be the first consideration, the Court made clear, and continued non-compliance could invite sealing.
The challenge before the Court
Action under the guidelines issued on September 10, 2026 for paying guest accommodations, and the notices issued by the Greater Bengaluru Authority on September 29, 2026, are what the petitions challenge. The operators’ contentions on the guidelines and the notices are yet to be decided, and the Court has not recorded a finding on them.
The Authority maintains that the requirements are needed to protect those living in such accommodations. The petitioners, for their part, are seeking time and relief from coercive steps, and the next hearing will show how the Court weighs the two positions.
Case Title: M/s Princess Ladies PG v. The Chief Commissioner and Others [W.P. No. 14750 of 2025 and connected matters]
Bench: Justice Suraj Govindaraj, Karnataka High Court
Date of Order: October 27, 2026
Next Date: Affidavit by November 4, 2026
Appearances: Advocate B.S. Karthikeyan for the Greater Bengaluru Authority.