The Sarais’ Act, 1867
The Sarais’ Act, 1867
📜 Overview
The Sarais’ Act, 1867 was enacted to regulate sarais (inns or rest houses) in British India. Sarais were important structures on trade routes and highways, providing lodging and shelter to travelers, merchants, and pilgrims. The Act primarily aimed to ensure proper maintenance, safety, and regulation of these sarais.
🔍 Purpose and Objective
To regulate the management and use of sarais across the territories under British India.
To protect the interests of travelers and traders using these rest houses.
To establish rules for maintenance, construction, and management of sarais.
To enable authorities to prevent misuse or unlawful occupation of sarais.
🧱 Key Provisions
| Section | Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Short title and extent | The Act applies to the territories where it is enforced, covering sarais in those areas. |
| Section 2 | Definition of Sarais | Defines what constitutes a ‘sarai’ (public inn or resting place for travelers). |
| Section 3 | Regulation and control | Authorities (usually local government or district magistrates) are empowered to oversee sarais. |
| Section 4 | Maintenance and repairs | Sarais must be maintained in a proper and safe condition to serve travelers adequately. |
| Section 5 | Prevention of misuse | Rules to prevent sarais from being misused or occupied unlawfully by unauthorized persons. |
| Section 6 | Penalties | Penalties or fines imposed for violation of rules related to sarais. |
| Section 7 | Collection of fees | Provision for collection of fees or charges from users of the sarai for upkeep and services. |
⚖️ Significance
Traveler Protection: Sarais were essential for long-distance travel and trade, and this Act helped regulate them for the safety and comfort of travelers.
Trade Facilitation: Ensuring sarais were properly maintained supported trade routes by providing reliable rest stops.
Prevention of Misuse: The Act empowered authorities to prevent unlawful occupation or conversion of these public rest houses.
Early Regulation: It laid the foundation for future laws regulating inns and lodging houses in India.
🧩 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Act Name | The Sarais’ Act, 1867 |
| Purpose | Regulation and maintenance of sarais (inns/rest houses) |
| Applicability | Territories under British India |
| Authorities Involved | Local government/district magistrate |
| Main Provisions | Maintenance, control, prevention of misuse, fee collection |
| Penalties | Fines or other punishments for violations |
| Beneficiaries | Travelers, merchants, pilgrims |
📝 Additional Notes
The Sarais were historically important structures in India, often maintained by rulers or wealthy merchants.
The Act was part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure for travel and trade during the British era.
Similar laws or regulations evolved later to cover inns, hotels, and other lodging establishments. Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
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