The Karnataka High Court has emphasized the need for regulation of homestays across the state, citing concerns over the safety of tourists. The court made this observation while hearing a petition filed by the owner of a homestay in Kodagu district, where a US tourist was allegedly raped in April this year.
Justice M Nagaprasanna stated that homestays have proliferated to the point where their locations and activities are unknown, putting everyone's security at risk. The court has reserved orders on the petition, which seeks the quashing of an FIR against the homestay owner and compensation of ₹15 lakh for an alleged 'illegal arrest'.
The homestay owner, Palecanda Ponappa, was arrested following a complaint filed by the US citizen, who alleged that a 45-year-old worker at the homestay had raped her. Ponappa has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and criminal intimidation.
During the hearing, advocate Angad Kamath argued that the police had violated the rights of the accused by arresting him without following mandatory pre-arrest safeguards. Kamath also presented evidence, including emails and CCTV footage, to suggest that the survivor had not immediately reported the alleged assault to the homestay owners.
The Additional State Public Prosecutor, B N Jagadeesha, countered that the State had never accused Ponappa of rape, but rather suspected his involvement in attempts to destroy evidence and influence witnesses.
