( 1 ) THESE Writ Petitions challenge the validity of the Regulations issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, under Delhi Police Act to regulate Guest Houses through licensing. The petitioners are mostly owners of the Guest Houses in Delhi and they have also challenged the licensing policy of the Commissioner of Police as being arbitrary and discriminatory.

( 2 ) THE places of public accommodation and entertaiment have undergone a sea change in the last hundred years. The changes are dictated by the new set of economic relations, fast means of communication, and individual needs of better living amenities and at times the luxuries. On the one hand the laws and public regulations of such places were found necessary for the protection, safety and hygiene of the travellers/dwellers. On the other hand, it was also necessary to regulate the social and public aspect of these new institutions infringing public peace and order.

( 3 ) THE first regulatory enactment so far as applicable to Delhi in this area is Sarais Act, 1867. Sarai as defined by the Act means any building used for the shelter and accommodation of travellers, and includes, a purao. Purao has been describe