Supreme Court: Dance bars can reopen in Maharashtra

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that dance bars can be reopened in Maharashtra, which was banned dance performances in Maharashtra bars in 2005.

In April, 2006, the Bombay High Court had struck it down on grounds that the ban prohibited one's right to profession.

The state government had sought to justify the ban in public interest, alleging that bar dancing is obscene and vulgar and depraves morals, fuels trafficking and prostitution and causes exploitation of women who dance in the bars.

In May, 2006, the Maharashtra government had obtained a stay against the HC judgement.

Now, the dance bar owners will now have to apply for a licence to the government before reopening.

OneIndia News.

(with agency inputs)