The Supreme Court on Thursday, 17 January, partially upheld the Maharashtra government’s 2016 law on dance bars, even as it relaxed and modified a number of rules.
The apex court set aside the condition to mandatorily install CCTV cameras in dance bars, saying it violates privacy. SC also said the rule of giving licence to open a dance bar on the basis of a person’s good character was “vague”.
Further, the top court quashed the rule that made it mandatory to segregate the dancing stage from the area where drinks are served.
However, it upheld the condition of allowing dance bars in Maharashtra to stay open from 6 pm to 11.30 pm, reported news agency PTI.
The court also allowed payment of tips to performers in dance bars, but said no to showering of currency notes or coins on dancers.
SC also did away with the provision mandating that Maharashtra’s dance bars should be 1 km away from religious places and educational institutions.
A bench headed by Justice AK Sikri was hearing pleas against the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The petitions were filed by hotel and restaurant owners.
(With inputs from PTI)
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