Government plans crackdown on illegal spas; new law to prevent sexual exploitation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is preparing to introduce a strict law to prevent sexual exploitation and other illegal activities at unauthorised spas that have allegedly turned into high-tech centres of immoral activities. The proposed legislation will lay down rules for granting licences to spas, ensuring the safety of women employees and preventing sexual exploitation. Many such establishments reportedly obtain licences from local self-government institutions under the name of wellness centres but later operate as massage parlours and spas.

The common modus operandi involves bringing women from other states and exploiting them. Some establishments also allegedly trap customers through honey-trapping and extort money from them. On October 11, Kerala Kaumudi reported that around 3,000 unauthorised spas were operating in the state. Following the report, more cases of exploitation at spas came to light.

The Home Department has also announced a police drive named 'Operation Spa' to crack down on such establishments. The operation is being carried out under the leadership of ADGP (Law and Order) P. Vijayan.

Unauthorised spas and establishments involved in exploitation will be shut down, and criminal cases will be registered against their owners. The government is also considering invoking the Goonda Act against spa owners who repeatedly engage in criminal activities, P. Vijayan told Kerala Kaumudi. Only therapists who have completed courses approved by the AYUSH Department will be eligible to work at spas and massage centres. The treatment methods followed at massage centres must be based on Ayurveda. Employees must also produce health certificates confirming that they are free from communicable diseases.

Identity cards and attendance registers will be mandatory for all employees. Cross-massaging, in which male therapists massage women and female therapists massage men, will not be permitted.

Rules routinely ignored

Spas currently operate after obtaining registration under the Shops and Establishments Act from local self-government institutions. They are also required to secure a local body licence, police clearance, Pollution Control Board approval and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire and Rescue Services Department.

Establishments serving food or soft drinks must also obtain a food safety licence. Applications for licences must include the therapists' qualification certificates and police verification records. Other requirements include transparent glass doors for therapy rooms, CCTV cameras at reception areas and corridors, customer registers and doctors' certificates. However, most establishments reportedly fail to follow these rules.

Measures planned to prevent exploitation

The proposed regulations will include several safeguards to prevent sexual exploitation and ensure employee safety:

1. Spa owners will be held responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees. Advertisements using women's photographs to attract customers will be prohibited.

2. Details of the nearest police station and women's helplines must be displayed prominently. Police will also conduct periodic surprise inspections.

3. Advertisements promoting cross-massaging on social media and in public places will be prohibited. Hidden cameras will not be allowed inside therapy rooms.

4. People with criminal backgrounds cannot be employed. Licences will be cancelled if establishments fail to comply with the rules.

"Sexual exploitation at spas will not be tolerated. We are considering legislation that will ensure the safety of employees," Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said.

"Activities taking place at these spas are damaging the reputation of Kerala and Ayurveda. The owners will be held fully responsible for all illegal activities taking place at their establishments," said P. Vijayan, ADGP (Law and Order).