In a historic decision, a bill that seeks to prohibit obscene dancing and protect the dignity and safety of women to prevent their exploitation in hotels, restaurants and dance bars, was finally passe
In a historic decision, a bill that seeks to prohibit obscene dancing and protect the dignity and safety of women to prevent their exploitation in hotels, restaurants and dance bars, was finally passed by the state Legislative Council on Monday.
The bill has also prescribed strict guidelines for opening new dance bars and a stiff penalty for the offenders.
The bill called ‘Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working therein) Act, 2016,’ has banned obscene dances (dances which have sexual acts, movements, gestures, actions which hint at sexual intercourse during a performance) in hotels, restaurants, bar rooms and other establishments and also seeks to offer safety provisions to women employed there.
Under the new law, those seeking a licence to open hotels, restaurants and bar rooms will have to ensure that working conditions are conducive for women employees and that adequate care is taken for their safety. In addition to this, the owner will have to also ensure proper security of the persons visiting these establishments. Such a licence would not be issued to places where a licence for discotheque and orchestra has already been granted.
The bill has also laid down a stiff penalty for the people, who will be found violating the act.
The owner/manager of such an establishment if found violating the conditions of the license, will be punished with an imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of Rs 25 lakh or both. If he/she continues to violate the conditions, a fine of Rs 25,000 will be charged per day.
The owner/manager will not allow any obscene dance and shall ensure that no woman is sexually exploited. If found guilty, such a person shall face a sentence of three years jail term or Rs 10 lakh fine or both. Further, a fine of Rs 10,000 each day has been proposed for repeat of the offence.
According to the law, no person will be allowed to throw coins, currency notes or any object that are monetary in nature on the dance floor. They also cannot misbehave with the dancer or touch her inappropriately. Violating this will invite a stern punishment of up to six months or Rs 50,000 fine or both.
If the licensee commits the offences under the Act for three times, the licence shall be cancelled permanently, says the law.
However, Manjit Singh Sethi, former president of the Dance Bar Association, said he could not comment on it off-hand. “I have to first go through the full contents of the Act. The bill also needs to be passed by the Assembly,” he told The Asian Age.
The bill, passed by the Council, will now be tabled before the state Legislative Assembly. After getting the Assembly’s sanction, it will be presented to the governor for final approval.
