No permission, no PG: Gujarat HC rules after Shivranjani society row

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that paying guest (PG) accommodations cannot be operated from residential premises without proper permission. The order follows a dispute in Ahmedabad’s Shivranjani area, where the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) sealed two flats being used as PG housing, prompting a legal challenge.

AMC seals flats after PG use triggers society complaint

The case arose after a property owner rented out two flats in Skylark Apartments near Shivranjani Crossroads to accommodate eight PG occupants. The residential society objected, issued a notice to vacate, and later filed complaints with both the police and AMC. While the police allegedly did not act, AMC issued notices to the owner and PG residents before sealing both flats on June 11.

Owner claimed homestay status; residents alleged harassment

In court, the property owner argued that the flats were being used as a homestay under the Gujarat government’s 2020 policy and claimed the arrangement caused no inconvenience to residents. They also alleged harassment by society members, stating that female PG residents were subjected to comments on their clothing and character. Residents said they were being unfairly targeted and judged, part of a broader pattern of moral policing faced by single women working in the city. 

PG is not a homestay: High court says

The owner filed a writ petition, following which the high court issued an interim order allowing use of the sealed flats. However, AMC told the court that the owner's homestay application had been rejected. Under the homestay policy, the property owner must reside on the premises and can only host guests for short stays. In this case, the flats were used as long-term PG housing and the owner lived elsewhere—making the operation unauthorised.

Justice Mona M Bhatt ruled that PG services in residential areas are not allowed without prior approval. The court also directed the state government, AMC, and other authorities to publicise the rules governing PG and homestay operations so that the public is aware of applicable policies and regulations.

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