Mumbai: The Maharashtra government hardened its stand on the ban it had enforced on dance bars in the state with Home Minister RR Patil making it clear that the government is drafting an ordinance to ensure that dance bars remain closed.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the state's ban on dance bars, which exempted dance performances in 3 star establishments and above was discriminatory and therefore violative of Article 14. The Home Minister had told the state assembly that the loophole in the Bombay Police Act, which allows dance performances in 3 stars and above, will be plugged.
The Supreme Court had recently ruled that dance bars can be reopened in Maharashtra. After the dance bars were banned in 2005, the bar owners were required to apply for a licence to the state government before reopening them.
The ban invoked in 2005 was immediately contested by bar owners and dancers' unions. In April, 2006, the Bombay High Court had struck it down on grounds that the ban prohibited one's right to profession.
In May, 2006, the Maharashtra government had obtained a stay against the HC judgement. The Supreme Court has now upheld the Maharashtra HC order though there is no timeline set.
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