Maharashtra: The fate of thousands of entertainers in Maharashtra was decided by the apex court on Thursday. The Supreme Court passed its verdict in the validity of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016 on Thursday.
“There cannot be a total prohibition on dance bars. No licence has been granted by Maharashtra since 2005. There may be regulations but that should not amount to a total prohibition,” SC said in its verdict.
The apex court relaxed stringent conditions set by Maharashtra government for getting licences for running dance bars and upheld the time of five and half hours for dance performances.
The SC has paved the way for the opening of dance bars in Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra, and relaxed stringent conditions imposed by the Maharashtra government for getting licences for dance bar.
The performers will be allowed on the premises of the bar and discotheques but showering of the money has been disallowed by SC. The performers can be tipped by customers though.
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