Mumbai: Supreme Court allows dance bars to remain open with 'conditions'

The apex court quashed previous rules like the mandatory installation of CCTVs saying it violates privacy. It also struck off a provision which segregated dancing stage from the bar area where drinks are served.

Supreme Court said giving tips to dancers is okay, but showering currencies is not acceptable/ Image PTI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed a number of provisions of Maharashtra Government’s 2016 law imposing restrictions on licensing and functioning of dance bars in the state, while modifying and upholding some of it. The Supreme Court bench was headed by Justice A K Sikri. The bench set aside certain provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The apex court quashed previous rules like the mandatory installation of CCTVs saying it violates privacy. It also struck off a provision which segregated dancing stage from the bar area where drinks are served. The Court has also struck down a condition by which dance bars should be 1 km away from educational and religious places. It also modified some provisions.  It ruled that orchestra, tips can be given but showering of cash and coins is not allowed inside bars It also upheld the condition fixing the timing of dance bars in the state from 6 pm to 11.30 pm The bench also upheld many provisions of the law including provision mandating contract for working women so that they cannot be exploited. It also upheld the condition fixing timing of dance bars in the state from 6 pm to 11.30 pm. It, however, quashed a rule of monthly salary for bar dancers. The court said, "there cannot be total prohibition on dance bars. No licence has been granted by Maharashtra since 2005. There may be regulations but that should not amount to total prohibition." Watch report: ABP NEWS is a free to air channel. To watch ABP NEWS as part of your basic pack, contact your cable/DTH operator.