Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 24: Ahead of New Year 2026 celebrations, the Udupi police on Tuesday issued strict guidelines to hotels, lodges, homestays and resorts across the district, directing them to stop the use of loudspeakers by 10 pm, in compliance with Supreme Court orders.
A meeting of hotel, lodge, homestay and resort owners was held at the Town Hall, Udupi, on 24 December to discuss celebration timings, safety measures, and legal norms to be followed during New Year festivities.
The meeting was conducted under the guidance of superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, IPS, and was attended by assistant superintendent of police Dr Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, who briefed the stakeholders on precautionary measures and legal norms to be strictly followed during New Year celebrations.
Manipal police inspector Mahesh Prasad and PSI Harish from the Central Udupi Town police station were also present and addressed the gathering.
During the meeting, it was clearly instructed that, as per the directions of the Supreme Court, the use of loudspeakers must be stopped by 10 pm, and all New Year programmes must conclude within the prescribed time. Organisers were warned against using loud music or fire-related activities that could disturb the peace of neighbouring residents.
The police stressed that homestay and resort owners must ensure the safety and security of all guests, including foreign tourists. Prior permission from the jurisdictional police station is mandatory before taking tourists to isolated, outer, or forest areas. Owners were cautioned that they would be held legally responsible for any untoward incidents occurring in such areas if prior approval is not obtained.
Instructions were also issued to ensure guest vehicles are parked within the premises without causing public inconvenience, and to strictly prohibit illegal or immoral activities. All homestays were directed to install CCTV cameras covering outer premises and maintain footage backup for a minimum of three months.
With regard to foreign nationals, owners were instructed to submit “C Form” details to the Foreigners’ Division at the District Superintendent of Police office and inform the jurisdictional police station. Maintaining a mandatory guest register with details such as name, address, mobile number, Aadhaar identification, and vehicle registration number was also made compulsory.
The police further instructed that permission must be obtained for using loudspeakers, programmes insulting any caste or religion are strictly prohibited, and necessary precautions must be taken to prevent disturbances caused by alcohol consumption. Serving alcohol requires mandatory permission from the Excise Department, and the use or distribution of narcotic substances such as ganja or opium is strictly banned.
Owners were urged to conclude all programmes within the stipulated time, cooperate with the police to maintain law and order, and immediately inform authorities if foreign nationals arrive for work or other purposes. The police warned that organisers would be held responsible for any untoward incidents during New Year programmes and advised them to take all preventive measures to ensure peaceful celebrations.