The order stipulated that “no internal locks, latches, bolts or locking mechanisms” shall be installed in treatment rooms except private rooms. Representational image.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Jammu administration on Thursday (February 12, 2026) banned “cross-gender massaging” and barred bolting of massage spaces from inside, invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a law that deals with addressing the issues of nuisance or apprehended danger.
“Cross-gender massage shall not be permitted. There shall be provision of male masseurs for massage of males and female masseurs (masseuse) for massage of females only,” reads the order issued by Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Jammu magistrate.
The order stipulated that “no internal locks, latches, bolts or locking mechanisms” shall be installed in treatment rooms. “Spa or massage services shall not be provided behind locked doors. Installation of CCTV cameras at entry points, reception areas and common areas, excluding private rooms, has been made mandatory with a minimum recording retention period of thirty days,” the order reads.
The order has been promulgated in view of reports that “certain spa and massage centres operating in Jammu district” were allegedly being used for immoral activities, prostitution and other unlawful acts”.
“Thereby posing a threat to public order and safety,” it added.
It directed the employees to “wear identity cards during working hours”.
“No employee below eighteen years of age shall be engaged. All owners, managers and employees, including therapists, receptionists and support staff, must undergo police verification,” the order said.
The owners and managers were directed to submit an affidavit in the form of an undertaking to the nearest police station within 10 days and confirm compliance with all the prescribed conditions.
The Jammu authorities also set the timing of the operation of such parlours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. “No female employee shall use the premises as a residence or for an overnight stay. Supply or consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicant within the premises has been prohibited. Mandatory production of valid identity proof by all customers shall be ensured and a proper register containing their contact details shall be maintained,” said the order.
The order made it mandatory to display boards in both English and Hindi. “It should carry the category-wise number of beds for male and female sections and details of employees, including their designation and qualifications,” it added.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, was directed to ensure effective enforcement of the order. The Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars were also instructed “to conduct periodic inspections of such establishments within their respective jurisdictions and submit compliance reports to the office of the District Magistrate”.
It said the order has come into force with immediate effect and shall remain operative for a period of eight weeks from the date of issuance, unless withdrawn, modified or rescinded earlier.
“The District Administration has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that all commercial establishments operate strictly in accordance with the law,” the order said.
Published – February 13, 2026 03:58 am IST
