Maharashtra's tough rules for dance bars have been relaxed by the Supreme Court, which said today "liquor and dance can co-exist". Noting that no dance bar license has been handed out since 2005, the top court said Maharashtra "can't just ban dance bars by trying to regulate them".
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The 2016 Act was upheld by SC but The condition laid down by the Maharashtra government that such establishments cannot be within one-kilometre distance of a school or a religious institution has been struck down by the Supreme Court. One of the petitioners, speaking to national television said his organisation Fight for Rights welcomes the move, saying, it was difficult for dance bars to cope with is as Mumbai is a congested city with no planning and churches, temples lie next to bars sometimes.
SC upheld its earlier decision to allow dance bars to remain open for five-and-a-half hours (between 6 pm to 11.30 pm). The condition that dance bar licences be given to persons of good character' was also struck down.
In order to protect the performers' employment, the SC upheld the rule of Maharashtra government by which made the provision of a contract for working women so they can’t be exploited. However, the rule of a monthly salary for bar dancers was quashed.
The state government's rule that called for a partition between the dancing stage and the bar area where alcohol is served was also struck down. The condition for installation of CCTV cameras inside the dance bars was also struck down owing to violation of privacy.
However, the Supreme Court allowed discotheque and orchestra inside the dance bars. Tips can be given to performers but showering of cash on the dance floor or on the performers has been disallowed.
(With inputs from agencies)
However, the Supreme Court allowed discotheque and orchestra inside the dance bars. Tips can be given to performers but showering of cash on the dance floor or on the performers has been disallowed.
(With inputs from agencies)