Sunburn gets Bombay HC nod, vows no drink, smoke for minors

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL after the organisers of the upcoming Sunburn Festival in Pune submitted an affidavit stating that measures will be taken to ensure that minors are not allowed to drink and smoke at the four-day electronic music-dance concert to be held from December 28 to 31 at Oxford Golf Club, Lavale in Pune.

The HC warned that if the festival's organisers and the state government failed to abide by the conditions of the affidavit, the breach would amount to a ‘contempt of court.’ It would also adversely affect its chances of receiving permission to stage it next year.

The organisers submitted to the court that there would be no breach in the conditions it has agreed to abide by, like not serving liquor to under-age participants and visitors, provision of alcohol only on furnishing of a valid drinking permit, and ensuring security at the venue, including that of women. The court also made it clear that the organisers must pay their dues as well as the current year's payments.

A division bench comprising of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and Rajesh Ketkar, raised a query on how the organisers would control sale of drugs. Dhakephalkar, who appeared on behalf of the organisers, said that they had a zero drug tolerance policy. He said that there would be 12 bouncers, who would frisk people at the entrance. Sniffer dogs too would be deployed at the entrance to check for drugs.

He also told the court that an ambulance would be stationed there all through the four-day event. The organisers have also tied up with the nearest hospital in case of an untoward incident. The court said that "on paper everything is seems good but what about implementation as we can see what happens during Ganesh immersion".

The chief government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani had filed an affidavit stating that police officers and officers of the Pune Excise department had visited the spot and conducted a survey, which showed that there was no educational institution, religious place, or hospital within 500 metres of the place. He also told the court that officers of the excise department would personally stand near liquor counters and ensure that underage youth are not served liquor.

Vagyani brought to the notice of the court that at the entrance police personals will be deployed to check identity cards and excise officers also keep vigilance inside the place where programme will be conducted. 240 police personal will be deployed in and around the venue. He also assured the court that the excise department and police would grant permission only when the organisers complete all the necessary checks and security arrangements for the event. The petitioner's lawyer, Pradip Thorat brought to the court's notice that a minor had purchased a ticket online and also got coupons for liquor. Dhakephalkar said that the coupons would buy him anything but not liquor. The court also said police should check drivers with breath analyser after the event is over.

Highlights

• The event is from Dec 28 to Dec 31st, 2pm to 10 pm
• 3 lakh people expected 85 artists from all over the world will perform
• 7,000 tickets have been sold till Wednesday.
• Ticket Rs 1,000 onwards
• 150 CCTV cameras and 120 bullet cameras at venue
• 240 policemen and 350 bouncers to keep watch