Terming the allegations of exploitation and forced religious conversion of women at gyms and fitness centres as a serious human rights concern, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, seeking detailed reports and policy responses. The Commission has also sought explanations from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India on the regulatory framework governing such establishments.
The NHRC said gyms and fitness centres, though largely privately run, fall within the ambit of public spaces where the dignity, safety and autonomy of women must be protected. It underscored the need for uniform guidelines, a policy framework and registration norms to regulate their functioning, adding that the absence of oversight could enable abuse of authority by trainers and staff.
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Allegations from multiple States
According to the Commission, complaints and reports received from various parts of the country point to a disturbing pattern in which women were allegedly targeted by gym trainers through sexual exploitation, psychological manipulation and religious coercion. The NHRC noted that if established, such acts would amount to grave violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
A senior official familiar with the proceedings said the complaints highlight recurring issues such as lack of supervision, unchecked trainer–client interactions and the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms within fitness centres.
“These are not isolated incidents being examined in silos. The Commission is looking at the systemic gaps that allow such misconduct to go undetected or unaddressed,” the official said.
Push for a regulatory framework
In its notice, the NHRC observed that the fitness industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, particularly in urban areas, but regulation has failed to keep pace with growth. Unlike schools or hospitals, gyms operate with minimal statutory oversight, often governed only by local municipal norms.
The Commission has directed States and UTs to consider the following measures:
- Introducing mandatory registration for all gyms and fitness centres
- Prescribing police verification and minimum qualification standards for trainers and staff
- Enforcing a code of conduct focused on women’s safety and professional boundaries
- Creating clear complaint and time-bound redressal mechanisms
The NHRC said such measures are essential to prevent exploitation and ensure accountability.
Role of the Centre and sports bodies
The Commission has also asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India to clarify whether a national set of guidelines can be evolved for private fitness establishments. While these bodies do not directly regulate commercial gyms, the NHRC said their institutional expertise could help set baseline standards for training, ethics and professional conduct.
The Commission noted that a central framework would enable States to enforce compliance more uniformly and reduce regulatory ambiguity.
Rising concern over women’s safety
Women’s rights groups and legal experts have welcomed the NHRC’s intervention, calling it a long-overdue step. They argue that gyms are spaces where women seek physical and mental well-being, and any form of coercion or abuse in such settings can have lasting psychological consequences.
“Fitness centres thrive on trust. When that trust is violated, the impact goes far beyond the individual case,” said a senior advocate working on gender-rights issues. “Clear rules and enforcement are the only deterrents.”
Awaiting State reports
The NHRC has asked all authorities to submit reports detailing existing regulations, complaints received, actions taken and proposed reforms. Based on these responses, the Commission may issue nationwide recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight and safeguarding women’s rights.
For now, the NHRC has refrained from naming any specific gym, State or individual, stressing that the objective is systemic reform rather than selective action.
Reiterating its position, the Commission said there can be no compromise on women’s safety and freedom, and that gyms and fitness centres must function as secure, professional and accountable spaces, aligned with constitutional values and human rights standards.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
