Mangaluru: Mounting concern over unchecked raids on massage and spa centres has triggered a fresh demand for legislation in Karnataka. A group of senior lawyers has urged the state government to enact a Kerala-style regulatory law to monitor Ayurvedic centres, spas, salons and wellness clinics, arguing that the absence of clear rules has left the sector vulnerable to both mafia misuse and arbitrary police action.
Former government prosecutor Manoraj Rajeev, leading the delegation, said at a press conference on Thursday that while illegal activities were indeed taking place under the guise of wellness centres, genuine operators were also facing humiliation. “In Kerala, a 2007 law ensures licensing and accountability. Here, when there is no law, calling a business ‘immoral’ is itself unethical. Yet, police raids continue, leaving many women in the sector deprived of their right to work,” he said.
Manoraj Rajeev pointed out that the lack of uniform legislation has created confusion, with some centres registered under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act and others under the Shops and Establishments Act. “Even officials do not know which standards to enforce. This legal vacuum has become a tool for harassment,” he alleged.
The advocates said the industry — which includes Ayurvedic centres, massage parlours, spas, unisex salons and beauty parlours — employs lakhs across Karnataka and is growing rapidly. However, they warned that the illegal operations of a few were tarnishing the reputation of Ayurveda and pushing honest service providers towards closure.
“This is not just a coastal Karnataka issue; it is a statewide problem. If a proper law is not enacted soon, livelihoods will be destroyed,” Manoraj Rajeev said, calling for urgent intervention by the state government.
