- Jammu administration cracks down on non-compliant spas; notices issued, legal action warned
JAMMU, Mar 8: In a major regulatory crackdown, the Jammu district administration has shut down six spa and massage centres for allegedly violating prescribed norms and directions. Officials said notices have also been served on the owners of the establishments, warning of further police and legal action if violations are not addressed.
The action followed a comprehensive inspection drive ordered by District Magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, aimed at regulating the functioning of spa and massage centres and ensuring strict adherence to the laid-down framework. The day-long drive was conducted on Saturday by dedicated inspection teams under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioners Ansuya Jamwal and Vidhu Shekhar.
During the inspections across various locations in the district, several centres were found to be operating in violation of the conditions and directions stipulated under the district administration’s order. The establishments served notices include K Crystal Spa, Evergreen Thai Therapy Centre, Touch of Magic, The Bubble Spa, the Golden Thai Unisex Spa and Health Ayurveda Spa and Salon.
Officials said multiple irregularities were recorded during the inspections. These included the absence of mandatory undertakings, non-display of required signboards and site plans, and alleged provision of cross-gender services. Other violations cited were the presence of door locks inside private cabins, failure of staff to produce valid identity cards, unaccounted salary payments to employees, non-maintenance of client registers, and malfunctioning CCTV cameras.
Authorities said notices have been issued to the defaulting centres and warned that further police and legal proceedings may be initiated against owners, managers and employees under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, wherever applicable.
District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas reiterated that the administration would maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward any misuse of commercial establishments for unlawful or immoral activities. He directed all spa and massage centres operating in Jammu district to strictly comply with the regulatory framework, cautioning that any further violations would invite immediate closure and prosecution under the law.