Sri Vijaya Puram, December 01: Citing the possibility of anti-social elements clandestinely taking shelter in residential and commercial areas, the District Magistrate of South Andaman, Arjun Sharma, IAS, has issued an emergency order directing landlords, property owners, and establishment managers to furnish detailed particulars of all tenants, paying guests, and domestic workers to the local police. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023, will come into effect from 00:00 hours on December 2, 2025, and remain valid for 60 days.
The administration fears that, without immediate preventive measures, anti-social elements may exploit rented accommodation and make secret hideouts, posing a serious threat to public safety, peace, and property. The order stresses that individuals posing as ordinary tenants, paying guests, or domestic servants could potentially engage in activities that jeopardize public security.
Under the new directive, no landlord, owner, or manager of any residential or commercial establishment may rent, sub-let, or provide accommodation to anyone without first submitting the complete particulars of the tenant or paying guest to the concerned police station. The same rule applies to the employment of domestic servants, house helpers, or similar workers.
Those who already have tenants or domestic servants but have not yet reported their particulars to the police must also comply while the order is in force. Any breach will result in penal action under Section 208 of the BNSS-2023.
Due to the urgent nature of the matter, the District Magistrate has issued the order ex-parte, addressing it to the general public. Copies will be displayed on notice boards at the District Magistrate’s Office, the District Court in Port Blair, and other official locations. The order will also be published in newspapers through the office of the Information & Publicity Department of the A&N Administration.
The District Magistrate emphasized that the cooperation of residents, property owners, and employers is crucial to ensure safety and prevent misuse of residential spaces by individuals with harmful intent.
