Touching a Mumbai bar dancer or throwing money at her can land you in jail

New Delhi: The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday approved the new dance bar bill and it is likely to be tabled in the state Assembly on Tuesday. 

The new bill has stringent provisions to tackle the exploitation of dancers in the industry. Any person who touches or throws money at dancers inside the bars can face jail imprisonment and a hefty fine of Rs 50,000.    

The Bill, which sets the stage for reopening of dance bars after more than a decade, and comes post a recent Supreme Court verdict, was passed in the Upper House by voice vote with Deputy Chairman Vasant Dawkhare in Chair.

The Bill was piloted by Leader of the House and Minister for Revenue Eknath Khadse.

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".

Any person seeking a licence under the new law to open dance bars in hotels, restaurants and bar rooms will have to provide conducive working condition for women employees and take adequate steps for their protection.

Besides, the owner will have to ensure adequate security of people visiting such a place. Dance bar licence will not be issued for places which already have permission for discotheque and orchestra.

The owner/manager of such an establishment, if found violating the licence conditions, shall face a jail term of up to 5 years or Rs 25 lakh fine or both. If he continues to violate the norms, a fine of Rs 25,000 will slapped per day.

A patron cannot misbehave with the dancer or touch her inappropriately. Violating this rule shall invite a jail term of up to 6 months or Rs 50,000 fine or both.

The owner/manager will not let dancers perform any "obscene" dance and shall ensure no woman is sexually exploited. If found guilty, such a person shall invite a jail sentence of 3 years or Rs 10 lakh fine or both.

Further, if the person continues to commit the same crime, each day a fine of Rs 10,000 shall be imposed.

According to the legislation, a patron will not be allowed to throw coins, currency notes or any object that are monetary in nature on the dance floor.

The Bill is expected to be introduced in the Assembly tomorrow, and going by the all-round support it received in the Council, a smooth sailing is likely in the Lower House too. (With agency inputs)