The UT district magistrate has directed owners of paying guest (PG) accommodations to inform their respective station house officers (SHO) in writing about the antecedents of PGs staying in their accommodations within one month from the issue of orders here on Tuesday.
Those failing to comply will be liable to be prosecuted for disobedience to the order duly promulgated by public servant under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The order issued under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) by Mohammed Shayin states, "A number of persons are living in the city as paying guest, and not strictly as tenants. These persons are students pursuing various courses, patients undergoing treatment, and also citizens pursuing various vocations. As they are not tenants, they are not expected to be registered with the police. This, in turn, may allow anti-social elements to reside in Chandigarh under the formal arrangement namely 'Paying Guest'. This arrangement involves charging for food and accommodation both."
The order further reads, "As the arrangement does not strictly fall in the category of tenancy, or even the premises not in the category of guest house or hotel, at present, this category of residents are not been accounted for, and, therefore, there is a likelihood that this arrangement is abused by anti-social elements who can hide in the city and cause breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility. In addition, there are also reports that immoral activities are being indulged in by some of the Paying Guests which cause nuisance to neighbours and others concerned."
{{/usCountry}}The order further reads, "As the arrangement does not strictly fall in the category of tenancy, or even the premises not in the category of guest house or hotel, at present, this category of residents are not been accounted for, and, therefore, there is a likelihood that this arrangement is abused by anti-social elements who can hide in the city and cause breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility. In addition, there are also reports that immoral activities are being indulged in by some of the Paying Guests which cause nuisance to neighbours and others concerned."
{{/usCountry}}The order will come into force with effect from zero hours on July 12, and shall be effective for a period of 60 days up to, and including, September 9.