Explained: How Supreme Court ruling gives fresh lease of life to Mumbai dance bars

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MUMBAI:  Easing the rules for operations of dance bars in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday struck down stringent laws imposed by the state. 

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri struck down some stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016, giving a major relief to bar owners. 

What Maharashtra government said:

Dance bars should not serve alcohol.

What SC ruled:

The state cannot have a situation where everyone is denied. There may be regulations but it can't amount to total prohibition. 

What Maharashtra government said:

Dance bars should be one km away from religious places or schools. 

What SC ruled:

It is an unreasonable condition to impose in a place like Mumbai and the government should prescribe a reasonable distance.

What Maharashtra government said:

No payment of tips, showering of coins or cash on bar dancers.

What SC ruled:

Payment of tips can be allowed but there should not be showering of coins or cash.

What Maharashtra government said:

The dance bars should remain open only from 6 pm to 11.30 pm. 

What SC ruled:

The apex court upheld the Maharashtra government's rule.

What Maharashtra government said:

The owners should install CCTV cameras in their dance bars.

What SC ruled:

The condition to mandatorily install CCTV cameras in dance bars violates privacy.