Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a strong stand against the misuse of orchestra bar licences to run illegal dance bars. The government plans to introduce a provision to permanently revoke the licences of such bars that persist in operating unlawfully despite previous actions taken against them. The state aims to amend the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurant and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) Act, 2016 during the upcoming legislative sessions.
Fadnavis emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards the illicit functioning of these bars. The focus is on closing legal gaps that allowed orchestra bars to operate as de facto dance bars. The proposed measure includes the permanent cancellation of licences for bars involved in “obscene dance” or unauthorized alterations to their premises, moving away from temporary suspensions.
While the Supreme Court had earlier ruled against mandatory CCTV cameras in performance areas due to privacy concerns, the state is enforcing strict regulations on hall sizes, podium distances, prohibition of currency showering (tips to be included in bills), and operating hours. The Chief Minister made these announcements during the Question Hour in the state Assembly, responding to concerns raised by members, including Shiv Sena (UBT) representative Bhaskar Jadhav, regarding bars in Panvel along the highway.
During the session, Fadnavis assured that the police would investigate the bars in Panvel. The Minister of State for Home (Urban), Yogesh Kadam, mentioned that in Masal tehsil of Pune district, there are orchestra bars where police have taken action against three bars for rule violations. Additionally, an orchestra bar in south Solapur is under investigation for breaching regulations, with 71 individuals, including women and customers, facing charges. The police have seized Rs 56 lakh in connection with this case.
