The Hindu : National : Bill banning dance bars tabled

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 15, 2005

National

National

Bill banning dance bars tabled

Special Correspondent

Penalty of imprisonment for three years and fine up to Rs. 2 lakhs provided for

MUMBAI: The much-talked about bill banning dance bars was tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday.

Minister of State for Home Siddhyaram Mhetre introduced the bill that amends the Bombay Police Act, 1951, prohibiting holding of a dance of any type in an eating-house, (liquor) permit room or beer bar throughout Maharashtra. The bill provides that anybody who holds a dance in such a place could be imprisoned for up to three years and fined up to Rs. 2 lakhs.

Besides the restaurant or bar would run the risk of losing its licence. The offence is cognizable and non-bailable — the person violating the ban could be arrested immediately and he or she would not get bail.

The proposed law exempts dance performances held at hotels having ratings three stars and above, drama theatres, cinema halls, auditoriums, sports clubs and gymkhanas. The State Government could also consider exemption of establishments for promotion of tourism and culture.

The statement of objects and reasons for the bill, which was signed by Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil, said the bars and restaurants were permitting "indecent, obscene or vulgar" dances which were giving rise to exploitation of women, derogatory to the dignity of women besides being deprave, corrupt or injuring public morality. The statement also notes that in the last budget session of the Maharashtra legislature, a motion had called the Government's attention to the growth of illegal dance bars and their ill-effects on society.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National