Stating that the state government is not in favour of reopening of dance bars, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that his government is framing new set of 18 rules for these establishments.
The guidelines comprise of rules such as: live feed via CCTV to be shared with the nearest police station to check for any irregularities. Also, safe distance has to be maintained by the audience and no showering of currency notes on dancers.
Fadnavis also told the Assembly that there was a drastic drop in the crime rate in the state. Replying to the ‘last week resolution’, Fadanvis said the government was seeking state Advocate General’s opinion in the issue of dance bars to appeal in the apex court.
In October this year, the Supreme Court had stayed the operation of 2014 amendment in the Maharashtra Police Act that had banned dance performances at bars and some other places, paving the way for reopening of dance bars across the state.
A new set of 18 rules and regulations are being framed by the state to curb dance shows and also to keep a tight vigil on activities during the dance shows,Devendra Fadanvis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra
According to The Indian Express report, Fadnavis said that over 34 applications for new bar licenses had to be rejected as they did not meet with 18 guidelines set by the state government.
Fadnavis also told the House that the crime rate has dropped to some extent.
There has been a drop in one year period of BJP-Shiv Sena government as compared to what it was during the erstwhile Congress-NCP rule. There has been a significant rise in rate of conviction, which is 48 per cent now, whereas the previously it was just nine per cent.Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra
The CM admitted that due to enactment of new law after the gangrape and murder case in the national capital, awareness among women on the issue has grown and they are fearlessly coming forward to lodge complaints about sexual abuses.
All police stations were working online and from January 1 surprise checks would be carried out to ascertain whether it was working as per this decision or not.
(With inputs from PTI)
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