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Earlier this week, local police in Varanasi filed an FIR against the operator and manager of Hotel Dayal Tower for allegedly housing about ten foreign nationals without obtaining the mandatory Form C clearance from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The guests, believed to have been brought in by a university professor, represented countries like Japan, the US, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. The hotel reportedly had applied for permission, but the registration was still pending when authorities carried out a surprise inspection, leading to legal action under the Foreigners Act and related statutes.
In a regulatory breach, Varanasi police have lodged a First Information Report against Hotel Dayal Tower's director and manager, accusing them of accommodating foreign guests without fulfilling the required formalities. Under Indian law, hotels must register foreign visitors within 24 hours of their arrival by submitting Form C to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Advertisement
Authorities say Hotel Dayal Tower failed to submit this form in a timely manner, triggering concern after a tip-off from local intelligence officers. During an inspection, police found around ten foreign nationals staying at the property. Their passports, guest registration cards and invoices were seized as part of the evidence-gathering process.
According to investigators, these guests were associated with a Banaras Hindu University academic who had arranged their stay. At the time of the inspection, the hotel's application for the necessary registration was apparently still 'under process.' Hotel management, when questioned, acknowledged that they had not completed the mandated Form C formalities.
The FIR cites potential violations under domestic penal provisions as well as provisions of the Foreigners Act. The case implicates both the director and the manager of the hotel.
This incident comes amid growing regulatory focus on Varanasi's hospitality sector. Recently, more than 500 hotel and homestay owners in the city participated in a government-sponsored training initiative aimed at improving compliance with tourism norms and raising service standards, especially given the sharp increase in both pilgrim and tourist stays.
Source: PTI
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