Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 11: In order to regulate the functioning of Spa and Massage Centres and to prevent misuse of such establishments for unlawful and immoral activities, the District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The order has been promulgated in view of reports that certain spa and massage centres operating in district Jammu were allegedly being used for immoral activities, prostitution and other unlawful acts, thereby posing a threat to public order and safety.
As per the order, engaging in any form of immoral activity within the premises has been strictly prohibited. Cross-gender massage shall not be permitted and there shall be provision of male masseurs for massage of males and female masseurs for massage of females only.
The order further stipulates that no internal locks, latches, bolts or locking mechanisms shall be installed in treatment rooms and that spa or massage services shall not be provided behind locked doors. Installation of CCTV cameras at entry points, reception areas and common areas, excluding private rooms, has been made mandatory with a minimum recording retention period of thirty days.
The order also directs that no centre shall operate before 8:00 AM and after 9:00 PM. No female employee shall use the premises as residence or for night stay. Supply or consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicant within the premises has been prohibited. Mandatory production of valid identity proof by all customers shall be ensured and a proper register containing their contact details shall be maintained.
It has been stipulated that any spa or massage centre found violating the order shall be liable for immediate closure and sealing, in addition to prosecution of the owners, managers and employees under relevant laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been directed to ensure effective enforcement of the order, while Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars have been instructed to conduct periodic inspections of such establishments within their respective jurisdictions and submit compliance reports to the Office of the District Magistrate.
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