HC verdict on dance bars to be appealed in SC by May 12: Patil

Mumbai, Apr 19 (UNI) Maharashra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said the government will appeal in Supreme court against the recent Bombay High Court verdict on dance bars.

''The Supreme Court holidays begin from May 13 and, so, the State Government will approach the apex court by May 12,'' Mr Patil said while replying to a point of propriety raised by Mr Vinod Tavade (BJP) in the Legislative Council. The State Government has sought legal opinion from the Attorney General, Mr Patil added.

''Legal experts are of the opinion that the case can stand in the Supreme Court, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Mr Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) raised the issue through a point of order in the Assembly and asked when the Government would approach the Supreme Court or whether suitable amendments would be made in the existing law to remove the anamaolies on the grounds of which the High Court had lifted the ban on dance bars.

He also referred to the difference of opinion between the two ruling partners -- the Congress and the NCP on the issue. While Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman Sanjay Nirupam has welcomed the High Court verdict saying it concerned the livelihood of thousands of bar girls, the NCP, on the other hand, is committed on banning the dance bars with Mr Patil ( NCP) announcing that the government will approach Supreme Court on the issue, he remarked.

UNI JM MAZ VD KP1932