MANMOHAN, ACJ : (ORAL)

1. Present public interest petition has been filed seeking a direction to the Respondents to ban cross-gender massages in spas/massage centers. The Petitioner further prays for a direction to the Respondents to share the recordings of spas/massage centers with the Delhi Commission for Women on a regular basis.

2. Learned counsel for the Petitioner states that cross-gender massages are being carried out in various spas/massage centers in Delhi in violation of ‘Guidelines for Operation of Spas/Massage Centers in Delhi dated 18th August, 2021 issued by the GNCTD (herein after referred to as the “Guidelines”). He emphasizes that in accordance with clause 2(b) of the W.P.(C) 4735/2024 Guidelines, cross-gender massages are prohibited in spas/massage centers in Delhi. He further states that such massages are being provided in locked rooms in violation of clause 2(d) of the Guidelines. He avers that cross- gender massages have led to operation and proliferation of illegal prostitution.

3. Learned counsel for the Petitioner states that the Petitioner has received no response to the various complaints/representations including representation dated 19th Fe