Ludhiana, Jan. 31 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court has directed the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) to take strict action against hotels violating building bylaws within four weeks.

The directive comes during the hearing of a civil writ petition highlighting irregularities in hotels, particularly in the old city, near the bus stand and the railway station. The court said if the MC fails to act, the civic body commissioner will have to appear in person to explain the delay.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 3.

According to MC's status report, 45 hotels were initially found guilty of non-compoundable violations and over time, some of them rectified the defaults, bringing the number down to 27. However, the MC is yet to act ...