The Maharashtra government has strongly criticized the culture of bar dancers in the state while justifying its decision to bring a new law to put restrictions on dance bars.
According to a report by The Times of India, during a Supreme Court hearing, the government counsel said that there’s no art in their dance, since they are not trained artists it could lead to obscenity.
The affidavit filed at the apex court read,"The dances in question are not classical forms of dances. The young girls dancing in such premises are not trained artistes. There is no art in their dance. Such dances do have very limited entertainment value. In such a situation, the possibility of dances becoming obscene to attract customers is inherent,"the report adds.
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The affidavit also added that those under the age of 21 should not be allowed to enter dancer bars as there is a high possibility of them getting spoiled.
Last year, on August 30, the apex court had issued a notice to the Maharashtra Government over the new law for dance bar licences asking it to reply within six months.
On April 11, 2016, the Dance Bar Regulation Bill was unanimously passed by the Maharashtra Assembly.
The legislation seeks to prohibit "obscene" dances (dances which have sexual connotations, sexual gestures, actions which hint at sexual intercourse during a performance) in hotels, restaurants, bar rooms and other establishments. It lays down guidelines to "protect the dignity and safety of women in such places with a view to prevent their exploitation".
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(With inputs from PTI)
