Illegal activities under the garb of cross massaging have been flourishing unabated despite Goa Public Health (Amendment) Rules, 2010 in place. It has been learnt that several massage parlours and spas, which mandatorily require to register with Health Department under the Act are operating without no objection certificates.
Experts argue since the Rules fail to specifically explain the offence and punishment, the illegal business continues. As per the 15 A (f) of the Goa Public Health Act & Rules, each massage parlour requires “male masseur for massage of males and female masseur for massage of females”. The breach results in fine which may extend to Rs 2000, if conviction by a magistrate.
“The rule is not clear and neither the punishment is deterrent. The absence of proper and clear law, works as a hurdle for police to initiate any action against the owner of massage parlour. The police can only act when it is established the girls are being used for commercial sexual exploitation. A proper law with stringent punishment with regard to cross massage can prevent abuse and exploitation of the girls…” ARZ Director Arun Pandey said.
