Yuvraj Singh Gets Notice From Goa Tourism Department Over His Villa In Morjim: Report

Yuvraj Singh has been called him for a hearing on December 8.

A file photo of former cricketer Yuvraj Singh

Source : PTI

Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh has received a notice from the Goa tourism department for allegedly making his villa at Morjim available for use as a homestay without registering it with relevant authorities, PTI reported. Singh has been called him for a hearing on December 8.

Under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, registration of a homestay with the state tourism department is mandatory.

The villa, named 'Casa Singh', is located at Morjim in North Goa. In the November 18 notice, deputy director of Tourism Rajesh Kale directed the former allrounder to appear before him on December 8 at 11 am for personal hearing in the matter.

In the notice, Singh has been asked why he should not be fined (up to Rs 1 lakh) for not registering the property under the Tourist Trade Act, PTI reported.

"It has come to the notice of the undersigned that your residential premises located at Varchewada, Morjim, Pernem, Goa is allegedly functioning as a homestay and is being marked on online platforms like Airbnb," said the notice.

The department has also quoted a tweet by Singh wherein he said he would be hosting an exclusive stay at his Goa home for a group of six, only on @Airbnb.

"This is where I spent time with my loved ones and the home is filled with memories of my years on the pitch," Singh's tweet said.

The notice stated that "every person intending to operate a Hotel/Guest House before operating it, has to apply for registration to the Prescribed Authority in the Prescribed manner". 

"Therefore, a notice is hereby given to you as to why penal action should not be initiated against you for default in registration under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982," it further said.

The deputy director of Tourism department, in the notice, said if no reply is received from Singh within December 8, "it will be assumed that the grounds mentioned in the notice are correct and on such assumption under Section 22 or in violation of any of the provisions of the Act, you shall be punishable with a fine which may extend up to Rs 1 lakh".

(With PTI inputs)