SC Nod for Licenses to Dance Bars, No Live Streaming for Police

The apex court modified seven conditions put forward by the state police as a prerequisite to obtain licenses.

In a relief to dance bars in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court has ordered the government to grant licenses to dance bar owners, ideally by 15 March. The apex court has also modified seven conditions put forward by the state police as a prerequisite to obtain licenses.

The SC refused live CCTV footage of the dance bars to the nearest police station, which was one of the conditions put forth. It also ordered the government to grant license to the owners 10 days after they comply with the new conditions.

The hearing comes after the Association for Bars and Restaurants approached the apex court against the new rules as a prerequisite for licenses.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to the Supreme Court order on Twitter. 

But the Hon SC has disallowed the condition of live monitoring through CCTV and has asked to enforce surveillance at the entrance only.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 2, 2016

State can't permit obscenity it has seen in the past in dance bars.
We will approach the Hon'ble Supreme Court with an alternative.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 2, 2016

State Government is also contemplating to move a suitable legislation in the legislature.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 2, 2016

Also Read: In the Time of Devendra Fadnavis, Will the Dance Bar Ban Ever Go?

On 15 October, the apex court had stayed a law passed by the Maharashtra assembly banning dance bars.