Delhi Police ‘lifts ban’ on city hotels hosting Delhiites

Two days after Hindustan Times highlighted that people from Delhi and NCR can't get a room in a budget hotel in the city, Delhi police said they will issue directions to hotel associations to let out rooms to all but with proper identification proof.

Two days after Hindustan Times highlighted that people from Delhi and NCR can't get a room in a budget hotel in the city, Delhi police said they will issue directions to hotel associations to let out rooms to all but with proper identification proof.

Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar confirmed that directions were being issued to hotel associations for allowing people from the NCR to stay in city hotels.

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"We had never issued any directions; it must have been an internal matter of the hotel association. But to make

things easier, we are issuing directions to these associations to ensure Delhiites are allowed entry into these hotels," said Dharmendra Kumar, special commissioner of police (law and order).

During the last week's grid failure that had plunged the Capital into darkness, a number of Delhiites had flocked to budget hotels in the city but were denied a room as soon as they flashed their identity cards.

Hotels associations claimed they have been asked by the police to not allow Delhiites or people from the NCR to stay at these hotels. But there are no rules that bar local residents from staying in a budget hotel. For those looking for a room before catching a flight or while visiting a hospital, the rule is a major hassle.

"We are happy that the police have decided to take such a decision. It will benefit a large number of people who prefer to stay at these budget hotels while visiting hospitals or catching a flight. We will ensure that all criteria is met before allotting a room to anyone from Delhi and NCR," Arun Gupta, president of Hotel Mahasangh.

There are more than 2,500 budget hotels in the city that are thronged by tourists and local residents. Majority of these hotels are located in Sadar Paharganj and Karol Bagh areas.