Dance Bars in Mumbai May Face Hurdles Despite Supreme Court Order as Maharashtra Government Mulls Ordinance

Mumbai, January 18: The Maharashtra government led by Devendra Fadnavis is mulling an ordinance to stop dance bars in Mumbai a day after the Supreme Court eased norms on the same. Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said on Friday that after an analysis of the apex court order and discussions on it with the law and justice department, if needed, the government will issue an ordinance to stop dance bars in Mumbai.

This comes a day after the Supreme Court relaxed the norms imposed earlier by Maharashtra government on dance bars. The court allowed dance bars to re-open in Mumbai, stating that there cannot be “a total prohibition” on them in the country’s commerce capital. Mumbai Dance Bar Girls Can Now Be Given Tips; List of New Rules After Supreme Court Order.

The court also set aside the “vague” conditions of the state government for “putting up CCTV cameras in bars and giving licenses to the people of good character.” Allowing for an orchestra and tips, the apex court, however, stated that showering performers with cash is not allowed inside the bars.

Reacting to the court order, Mungantiwar told PTI that while the state government respects the apex court's decision, it is firm on its stand that dance bars cannot be allowed to operate. The minister also said that the issue will be discussed in detail during the weekly state cabinet meeting next week.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2019 12:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).