Rupnagar October 25, 2025 : Amid the ongoing wedding season, taking note of the lack of record-keeping of people staying in hotels, inns, dhabas, and restaurants, District Magistrate Varjit Walia has issued strict orders to the owners of such establishments. They have been instructed to obtain five types of identification documents from each guest and maintain a register of these records to prevent any untoward incidents in the district.
Varjit Walia stated that a register must be maintained for all individuals staying at these places, and it is mandatory for them to show five types of identification documents such as passport, driving licence, photo identity cards issued by the Government of India, state governments, public sector undertakings, or public limited companies. Other acceptable IDs include photo service cards issued to company employees, photo passbooks issued by banks or post offices, PAN cards, smart cards issued by the Registrar General of India, job cards issued under the MGNREGA scheme, health insurance smart cards under the Labour Ministry scheme, photo pension documents, official cards issued to MPs/MLAs, and Aadhaar cards.
Ban on gatherings of five or more people in public places
The District Magistrate of Rupnagar has also issued orders banning gatherings of five or more people in public places, processions, rallies, or protests. However, these restrictions will not apply to assemblies of paramilitary or military personnel, government officers/employees on duty, religious ceremonies, weddings or private functions, and funeral processions, provided that the organizers obtain written permission from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate or competent police officer.
Mandatory register for number plate makers
Highlighting the issue of criminals and gangsters using fake vehicle numbers on motorcycles, scooters, cars, and other vehicles to commit robberies and other crimes, the District Magistrate has issued orders banning number plate making or writing without maintaining a register. All number plate makers in the district must now maintain a proper record of the plates they produce and the numbers written on them.
Complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags
Under the same orders, the District Magistrate has also imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, distribution, sale, storage, and use of plastic carry bags in the district. He mentioned that the Punjab government has already enforced a complete ban under the Punjab Plastic and Carry Bags (Manufacture, Usage, and Disposal) Control Act, 2005.
Ban on cattle transportation between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Invoking powers under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, the District Magistrate announced a complete ban on the transportation of cattle between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Rupnagar district. People who own cattle have been ordered to register them with the Animal Husbandry Department to prevent any untoward incidents and to ensure the safety of the animals.
Ban on use of military-colored vehicles
The orders also prohibit the use or operation of jeeps, motorcycles, or motor vehicles painted in olive green (military color) within the district. The District Magistrate stated that anti-social elements could misuse military uniforms or colors to create violence, hence the general public is instructed not to use such colors. However, this order does not apply to actual military officers.
Summary:
Authorities in Punjab have imposed strict restrictions on hotel owners amid the ongoing wedding season, emphasizing noise control, event timings, and compliance with safety and hygiene regulations.