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Will explore all legal options: Fadnavis on SC dance bar order

Hindustan Times | By, Mumbai
Nov 27, 2015 12:57 AM IST

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said his government was not in favour of opening dance bars and would explore legal options after Supreme Court asked it to implement its order in this regard.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government said it will respect and follow the apex court’s decision but, at the same time, it has decided to explore options to keep dance bars shut.

Supreme Court asked the Maharashtra government to implement its earlier order on dance bars and decide within two weeks hoteliers’ application seeking grant of licence for running them in the state.(HT File Photo)
Supreme Court asked the Maharashtra government to implement its earlier order on dance bars and decide within two weeks hoteliers’ application seeking grant of licence for running them in the state.(HT File Photo)

“The apex court order of decision on the pending applications by bars in two weeks will be followed. The department headed by principal secretary Vijay Satbir Singh will take a call on them,” said Ram Shinde, minister of state for home.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his government’s stand saying that, in principle, it was against the working of dance bars.

“We are exploring legal options, including legislative intervention,” he said insisting that the government respects apex court’s judgement.

Home department officials said the government was hopeful of a favorable ruling by the Supreme Court in its final verdict. The state government has sought more time to make its submission on the issue justifying its stand of safeguarding culture of Maharashtra, dignity of women and preventing exploitation of the poor for profiteering.

“Today’s order is not the final one. We will get an opportunity to put our stand in the court. The court has clarified that the responsibility of regulating bars... lies with the government. The court has asked us to frame rules for their functioning... the rules will be framed as the government deems fit,” said an official from the home department.

The official added that the state government can make amendments in the Maharashtra Police Act and other related laws to ensure that restrictions on bars continue.

Home department officials also pointed out that various legal provisions could be made to prevent obscenity, including compulsory barricading between the dance floor and the customers’ sitting area and restrictions on allowing women to dance beyond 10 pm.

“Dance bars can’t survive for long if they are women dancers are not allowed beyond 10 pm,”opined an official.

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