Panaji, Feb 12 (TOI): All hotels and commercial accommodation facilities, including religious bodies, have to mandatorily verify the identity of their guests and these verification forms must be submitted to the local police station, said the North Goa district magistrate.

The ex-parte order issued, which comes into effect today, is applicable to existing guests residing not just in hotels, but also guest houses and hostels that are run by religious bodies.

To ensure clarity, the district magistrate has said that the verification must be done based on photo-identification such as election card, driving license, Aadhar card, passport or any other photo-identity document that has been approved by the government.

The management will also be mandated to fill and submit the tenant/guest verification form to their local police station.

The order will be enforced for three months, up to April 12.

Any person contravening the order will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, the order said.