08-07-2025
Cops review compliance of safety norms at Jorhat hotels & lodges
Dibrugarh: Jorhat police on Tuesday launched a comprehensive inspection and verification drive at hotels, homestays, and other lodging establishments in Jorhat town to ensure strict adherence to the Sarais Act, 1867, and CCTV guidelines under the Assam Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Act, 2023.
The drive focused on verifying whether hotels and homestays have installed CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points, and common areas, as mandated by the 2023 Act. The law requires establishments to store video footage for a specified period and make it available to authorities upon request to enhance public safety and security.
During the inspection, police teams checked registration records, visitor logs, and CCTV functionality.
Establishments found violating the norms were issued warnings and given a deadline to rectify discrepancies. Repeat offenders could face penalties, including fines or temporary closure.
"The Assam Public Safety Act is designed to safeguard both guests and hotel operators. CCTV surveillance is not just a legal requirement but a critical tool in preventing crime and ensuring accountability. We urge all proprietors to strictly follow these guidelines," Jorhat SSP Shwetank Mishra said.
The Sarais Act, 1867, regulates the operation of inns and lodging houses, ensuring proper record-keeping and guest verification. The Assam Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Act, 2023, expands on these provisions by introducing mandatory CCTV surveillance in high-risk public spaces, including hotels, shopping complexes, and educational institutions.
The police department plans to conduct regular follow-up inspections to ensure sustained compliance with the safety regulations. Officials said establishments failing to meet the requirements within the specified time-frame may face legal consequences under the respective Acts.
