Mumbai nightlife plan: 'Need 2 weeks to decide on policy for women’s safety'

The Maharashtra government told the Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday that it needs two more weeks to decide on the policy for women’s safety, as part of its 24x7 nightlife plan.

The Maharashtra government told the Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday that it needs two more weeks to decide on the policy for women’s safety, as part of its 24x7 nightlife plan.

Currently-malls-hotels-and-pubs-are-allowed-to-operate-till-1-30am-in-Mumbai-For-years-there-have-been-demands-that-the-deadline-be-extended-as-it-is-unrealistic-and-hurts-the-hospitality-sector-HT-file-photo

A division bench of justice Naresh Patil and justice VL Achaliya was hearing a suo motu petition, along with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Help Mumbai Foundation, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of women commuters travelling on suburban trains.

In the previous hearing, a division bench headed by justice Abhay Oka had said the state cannot keep bars and pubs open all night, unless they come up with a policy for women’s safety. The state had then sought three weeks to file a reply.

Currently, malls, hotels and pubs are allowed to operate till 1.30am. For years, there have been demands that the deadline be extended, as it is unrealistic and hurts the hospitality sector. After citing shortage of manpower as an excuse for years, the Mumbai police recently gave nod to keep hotels, eateries in malls, bars and pubs, which are not located in residential areas, open throughout the night. A final decision on the issue will be taken by the state government.

The court also heard another PIL that urged the state to come up with a mobile application (app) for women travelling alone, so that they could easily get in touch with the nearest police station or ambulance in case of an emergency.

The court, however, said the police helpline number, 100, is already available to register a complaint and intimate the nearest police station.