A plain-language guide to the law that requires hotels, lodges and guest houses to record their guests and share those records with the police — and how Crimatrix makes it effortless.
The Sarais Act, 1867 is a law that regulates sarais — buildings used for the shelter and accommodation of travellers. In today's terms, that covers hotels, lodges, inns, guest houses and homestays. Although it dates back to 1867, the Act remains in force across much of India and is actively enforced by state police and district administrations.
At its heart, the Act places a duty on the keeper of every sarai to know who is staying under their roof and to make that information available to the authorities — so that travellers can be accounted for and wanted or suspicious persons can be identified quickly.
The core obligations a keeper of a sarai is expected to meet
Guwahati's district administration made online submission the norm for accommodation providers.
"The District Magistrate Kamrup (Metro) has instructed vide order dated 31st July 2013, that all hotels, guest houses and lodges shall submit their respective borders' lists online on Crimatrix.com."
Every obligation above becomes a few taps instead of a paper ledger
Capture guest details and a photo at check-in — your register is always current and searchable.
Submissions reach the nearest police station in real time — no separate trip, no daily paperwork.
Guest data is checked against crime records and lookout notices, alerting police to any match.