Mangaluru: Advocate Manoraj Rajeev has urged the Karnataka government to formulate comprehensive rules for massage centres, Ayurvedic clinics, and unisex beauty parlours to curb immoral activities allegedly taking place under the guise of wellness services. He recommended adopting a legal framework similar to the one implemented in Kerala.
Demand for structured regulations
Speaking at a press conference, Rajeev stated that except for Kerala, there is no specific law in India governing how massage services should be conducted, the protocols to be followed, or the operational standards of such establishments.
“In the absence of regulations, police raids are often conducted on unisex beauty parlours, sometimes leading to harassment of young women. A clear legal structure is essential to ensure genuine businesses are not affected while curbing illegal activities,” he said.
Proposal to state government
Rajeev announced that he would submit a formal request to the Chief Minister, Law Minister, and Opposition leaders through the District Commissioner (DC) to take up the issue in the upcoming legislative session. He stressed the need for strict yet fair rules to protect both employees and customers while preventing misuse of wellness centres for unlawful purposes.
Call for district-level judicial reforms
Highlighting the need for judicial accessibility, Rajeev also called for establishing a High Court bench in the district. “However, this requires at least 40 acres of land and ₹300 crore. As an alternative, senior district judges could be given additional powers to adjudicate writ petitions locally, which would speed up case resolutions,” he suggested.
Impact on employment and business
Rajeev noted that the absence of proper regulations has affected young professionals and entrepreneurs. “Many have taken loans to start such businesses but face constant uncertainty due to legal ambiguities. This has resulted in unemployment and financial distress,” he added.
Conclusion
The demand for a Kerala-style regulatory framework for massage and wellness centres has gained traction, with advocates calling for laws that strike a balance between curbing illegal activities and safeguarding legitimate businesses. The matter is expected to be taken up for discussion at the state level.