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Nagpur: Adult unmarried couples can stay in hotels, lodges and guest houses in the city if both are 18 or older and give their consent, as per a police order that came into force at 12.01 am on September 11 and will remain effective till November 9. Police have removed unauthorised signboards from more than 20 hotels allegedly using the OYO brand and legal action is underway, said sources. Hotels violating the directions can face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
PAN cards are generally not allowed,” a police official said. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said citizens had complained about illegal activity in hotels operating in their neighbourhoods and the issue was discussed with police commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil and then brought to the notice of CM Devendra Fadnavis . The directions apply to hotels, lodges, guest houses and homestays and will help strengthen checks on human trafficking , prostitution and fraud under its flagship campaign — Operation Shakti. Identity verification has been made compulsory for every guest. “Only original Aadhaar card , passport or driving licence will be accepted. CCTV cameras must operate round the clock at entrances, public areas and other designated locations. “Footage must be stored for at least a year and should be shared with police when asked. Hotels must prominently display a ‘zero tolerance’ board against human trafficking and illegal activities. The notification requires hotels to alert police on fake identity documents, suspicious bookings or illegal activity, including fights, suspicious deaths, attempted suicides and missing persons. Minors can enter only with a parent after verification.