The PIL said that the rise of unlawful prostitution was caused by cross-gender massages being given in private rooms.

A public interest litigation (PIL) case asking for orders to outlaw cross-gender massages at Delhi's spas and massage centers was recently denied by the Delhi High Court [Sh Anuj Malhotra v Govt of NCT of Dellhi & Ors].

Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, sitting as a division bench, rejected the plea, pointing out that the High Court's lone judge was already handling the case contesting the legality of the August 2021-issued Guidelines for Operation of Spas/Massage Centers in Delhi.

This Court believes that the current public interest can not be accommodated since the learned Single Judge has already taken an interest in the matter. As a result, the court dismissed the current petition.

Anuj Malhotra filed the PIL in an attempt to get regulations prohibiting cross-gender massages implemented.

Additionally, he stated that the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) should receive regular access to video footage of the spas and massage parlors.

Cross-gender massages were allegedly performed in contravention of Delhi's Guidelines for Operation of Spas and Massage Centers at a number of spas and massage parlors.

The Court was informed that unlawful prostitution is operating and growing as a result of these massages, which are being given in locked rooms in contravention of clause 2(d) of the Guidelines.

After reviewing the specifics, the Court observed that the implementation of clause 2(d), which forbids cross-gender massages, has already been stayed and that the constitutionality of these rules is currently pending evaluation before a single judge.

The Court, therefore, rejected the PIL.