Supreme Court refuses to stay Maharashtra's new law on dance bars

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court criticised the Maharashtra government on Wednesday for banning liquor in dance bars, curtailing timings of these shows and insisting on CCTV cameras on the dance floors, measures the state insisted was necessary to protect the dignity and safety of women. The apex court restrained the government from implementing these rules for now.

The top court and the state have engaged in a battle of wits over dance bars in Maharashtra. An earlier attempt by the state government to completely shut them down was overturned by the court, but the state has since introduced new rules this year which are so stringent that they might as well close.Among other things, the rule makes it illegal to serve liquor to patrons of these establishments.

It also curtails these shows from 6 pm to 11.30 pm, and placing CCTV cameras on the dance floors in a bid to curtail obscenity and prevent exploitation of women. The state claims that it has a right not only to regulate liquor available in the state but also prohibit liquor form being sold. A top court bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra and C.Nagappan, however, has frowned upon all such steps and instead asked the state to ensure that no exploitation or obscenity takes place.

The state has defended its new rules, arguing it was virtually impossible to police all dance bars.