Mumbai dance bar case: SC fixes next hearing on August 8

Mumbai, July 24: The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the matter and fixed its next hearing of the Mumbai dance bar case, where, the bar owners have challenged the stringent norms regulating bars on August 8.

The Maharashtra government has justified the need for these restrictions to ensure the safety and dignity of women, working in these establishments.

The apex court had earlier, on September 21, ruled that three dance bars in Maharashtra, with proper CCTV, can continue operating. A division bench of the top court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and Justice C Nagappan passed this order.

On August 30, the apex court had issued a notice to the Maharashtra Government over a new law for dance bar licenses and asked it to reply within six months. Dance bar owners have objected to the restriction of maintaining a one-kilometer distance from any religious or educational structure, claiming it was not possible in big cities.

The Dance Bar Regulation Bill, which was unanimously passed by the Assembly on April 13, among other things, prohibits serving liquor in performance areas and mandates that the premises must shut by 11.30 pm.

It also imposes heavy penalties on dance bar owners and customers for not following these rules.

The apex court had on March 2 rejected certain suggestions like providing live CCTV footage to police of performances in the dance bars and asked the state government to grant licenses to owners within 10 days after they comply with the modified guidelines.

(with inputs)