SC pulls up Maharashtra Govt. on new dance bar rules

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up Maharashtra Government for framing rules that prohibit opening of dance bars within a distance of one kilometer from educational institutions.

The apex court said that this condition of the state government amounts to 'prohibition'.

"Dance is professional, if it obscene then it loses its legal sanctity. Therefore, the government's measures can't be prohibitory," court told the state government.

The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Government told the court that the rule would be revised.

The Maharashtra Assembly had on April 12 unanimously passed the Dance Bar Regulation Bill, which has provisions for stringent actions against the violators.

The new bill fixes accountability on the owner in case of violation of rules, exploitation of women employees, or in cases of obscenity.

Owners or operators face up to up to five years in jail and fines of up to Rs. 25,000 for violations. Separate rules are being formulated on this, based on the provisions of the Bill.

According to the new conditions, dance bars must be at least a kilometer from any education or religious institution, their timings restricted between 6 p.m. and 11.30 p.m., and liquor not to be served in the performance area.