The Bombay high court on Wednesday struck down the Maharashtra government ordinance banning dance bars in the state terming the ban unconstitutional.

Maharashtra govt to move SC on dance bars

The bill providing for a ban on 'holding of a performance of dance, of any kind, in an eating house, permit room or beer bar' came into effect last year, by an amendment introduced by the state government in the Mumbai Police Act. Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil had said, "The government considers that such performance in an indecent manner is derogatory to the dignity of women and is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals."

However, Association of Hotels and Restaurants and Bar Owners Association argued that the ban was discriminatory.

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Also see:

• Dance Bars: Daily loss at Rs 100 cr after ban
• Culture no reason to shut bars: NHRC
• A bargirl's story
• They wanted Rs 13 crore: Bar owner