SC reserves its verdict on employment of women as bartenders

New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the Delhi High Court's judgement striking down a section of Punjab Excise Act which banned the employment of women as bartenders.

The High Court had, in its order on January 12, 2006, struck down section 30 of Punjab Excise Act which banned the employment of women as bartenders and also the employment of persons below the age of 25 years.

The Hotel Association of India had filed an undertaking in the High Court that none of its members would compel a woman employee to serve in a bar against her will.

According to the petitioner Anuj Garg, the impugned judgement of the High Court is violative of the fundamental right of the citizen and also has overlooked its adverse effects on the minds of the young people. He cited the Jessica Lal murder case and the BMW case.

A Bench comprising Justices GG Mathur and PK Balasubramanyam of the apex court reserved the judgement on Monday after hearing arguements of the party.

The Delhi government, in its counter has, however, contended that section 30 of the Excise Act which is applicable to Delhi is a valid piece of legislation. It also contended that the section has a rationale and purpose of protecting vulnerable young men and women from the influence of liqour. It aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of women who may sometime face sexual harassment from the consumers at the bar.

The Central government did not file any counter to the petition.

UNI