After the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, the South Delhi civic body has implemented a new licensing policy for spas and massage centers under which cross-gender massage will not be allowed.
In a statement on Monday, the SDMC said, “Cross-gender massage will not be allowed in spa centres. The men’s and women’s centers will be in separate sections and can remain open only between 9 am and 9 pm. New centers will not be allowed in residential areas.
Last month, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) also banned cross-gender massage at spas under its jurisdiction.
According to SDMC estimates, there are around 300 spas and massage parlors in South Delhi. “There will be a mandatory provision for production of ID cards of all customers,” it said. The policy has been approved by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, the civic body said.
The corporation said that failure to comply with any of the guidelines may invite legal action against defaulters, including cancellation of licence. North MCD, which is governed by the same framework, is also likely to follow suit.
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal had earlier flagged off irregularities and sexual abuse in spas and massage centres, following which a task force was constituted to review her report and act on it.
Spas and massage centers are required to strictly adhere to the Delhi government’s new guidelines, which strictly prohibit “any kind of sexual activity on the premises” and employment of people below the age of 18, in order to obtain a health business license. impose restrictions.
The Delhi government, however, in response to a petition challenging the recent guidelines prohibiting cross-gender massage in spas, told the Delhi High Court that the guidelines are yet to be notified and are not being implemented at present. .
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