The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) on Thursday said while the Supreme Court’s verdict allowing dance bars to function was not in line with expectations, it would still be respected.
Vijaya Rahatkar, president, MSCW, said the decision to ban dance bars reflected the sentiments of the people.
“Between 2006 and 2016, the State government had passed three laws. The people’s sentiments were reflected in the decisions taken by the government time and again. We have seen numerous families get destroyed due to dance bars. Even though the SC verdict was unexpected, it would still have to be respected,” Ms. Rahatkar said.
Ms. Rahatkar drew attention to the fact that even though permission has been granted, dance bars will still have to operate within certain rules laid down by the State.
“The State will take precautions to ensure that no illegal activities are conducted under the guise of dance bars. There will be no scope for obscenity, and conditions like having closed circuit television cameras at the entrances and background checks of employees for criminal antecedents will have to be adhered to,” Ms. Rahatkar said.
The Mumbai Police, meanwhile, are waiting for a copy of the SC verdict. “We will examine the SC verdict and have a discussion with the State home department before deciding on the further course of action,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti said.
