Warangal, Function halls in the old Warangal district are now putting up banners with legal warnings to prevent uninvited guests from entering private ceremonies like weddings. The number of such people who attend weddings without an invitation and consume food meant for guests has increased in recent days.
These banners, placed at entry gates of several venues, warn that entering a private function without an invitation may lead to action under Section 441 (Criminal Trespass), which could result in up to three months of imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 rupees. A photo of one such banner recently went viral on social media.
Complaints of this nature have been received from parts of Mahabubabad, Warangal, and Hanamkonda districts, where wedding organizers and function hall owners say a large number of uninvited people are attending weddings. A person named Pratap recently organized his sister’s wedding at a function hall in Hanamkonda. He alleged that over 200 uninvited people entered the hall, ate the food prepared for the guests, and left.
Function Hall Entry Restricted to Invited Guests Only
Pratap stated that due to this sudden influx, the food ran short for the invited relatives and friends. Function hall owners say this problem is starting to affect their business as well, as some customers are hesitant to book halls where outsiders can easily enter.
The management of Ashok Nandan Garden in Mahabubabad explained that this decision was taken for the safety of customers and to prevent any disruption in private functions. They said, “We have deliberately mentioned a fine of 5,000 rupees on our banners, while according to the law the actual fine is 500 rupees. We did this to instill fear in the minds of those who might enter uninvited and deter them from doing so.”
To provide their customers with a safe and uninterrupted experience, organizers are now being requested to ask their guests to bring their invitation letters. This invitation letter will serve as the entry pass. Furthermore, special security guards have been deployed at entry gates to check these cards, ensuring that only genuine relatives and friends can participate in the ceremony.