Orchestra bar licences to be cancelled for repeat violations

Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that licences of orchestra bars will be cancelled in cases of repeated violations, and the state government will soon introduce a legal amendment to this effect.
Intervening during a debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during Question Hour, Fadnavis recalled that the state had earlier enacted a law banning dance bars, but the legislation did not stand scrutiny in the Supreme Court and was held to be unconstitutional.
Subsequently, the law was modified and amended to permit orchestra licences for bars.
The court allowed women to work in bars and we accordingly amended the rules, making them more stringent. However, complaints of violations are still being received from areas such as Panvel in Navi Mumbai," CM Fadnavis said.
He added that in keeping with the principle of natural justice, establishments would be heard and penalised for violations three to four times, but in cases of repeated offences, orchestra bar licences would be permanently cancelled.
An amendment to this effect will be introduced soon, either in the current session or in the next session of the legislature," he said.
Fadnavis further stated that the government's intention was to completely shut down dance bars, but this could not be implemented as owners applied for orchestra licences instead.
We granted permission for orchestra performances under strict rules, but complaints continue to be received," he noted.
(with PTI inputs)