SC lifts ban on dance bars in Maharashtra

The Supreme Court on Thursday lifted the ban on dance bars in Maharashtra, clearing the path for the livelihoods of over 75,000 dancers in the state.

"Today, Supreme Court has granted stay order on Section 33A, which means that now dance bars are allowed to function in restaurants of Maharashtra. However, there are restrictions that there should be no obscenity and the dance bars should function in accordance with law," lawyer Prasenjit Keswani told the media here.

"Supreme Court considered it as a livelihood issue and the final hearing on this will be on November 5," Keswani added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to the apex court's ruling and said that his government is still in favour of banning dance bars.

"Although SC interim order mandates regulation instead of ban on dance bars, Govt still favours ban. We will examine and press our demand in SC," Fadnavis tweeted.

Earlier, in July 2013, the Supreme Court had allowed the bars to employ women and entertain customers. The verdict was however challenged by the Maharashtra government, accusing the bars especially in Mumbai of promoting prostitution.