Maharashtra council passes bill bringing orchestra licenses under Obscene Dance Prohibition Act

Mumbai, Jul 8 (PTI) The Maharashtra legislative council on Wednesday passed a bill to bring the licenses for orchestras and live music performances under the ambit of the Prohibition of Obscene Dance Act, and prescribe stricter punishments. The bill -- passed by the assembly the day before -- aims to prevent the misuse of orchestra licences issued under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, to organise obscene dance performances in bars and hotels, the government said. The bill was introduced in the house by Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State in the Home Department. During the discussion, Shiv Sena member Neelam Gorhe said there has been a proliferation of bars on the Panvel side of the Atal Setu sea bridge. There was a heated exchange between Gorhe and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab over the latter's remark during the discussion. With Gorhe and Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam objecting, chairman Ram Shinde directed that the remarks be expunged. Parab said dance bars are still being run in different guises. If the government was serious about curbing obscene acts, it should fix accountability and take action against erring officials, he added. Congress' Satej Patil said the government was bringing in the amendment as the earlier law failed to stop irregularities, which was the government's failure. Sanjay Khodke (NCP) also spoke on similar lines. Replying to the debate, Bhoyar said the provisions in the earlier law were being misused, which necessitated the amendment. As per the statement of objects and reason of the bill, it was observed that to evade the restrictions on dance performances in hotels or bars under the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women Act, 2016, licenses granted to live music performances or orchestras under the Maharashtra Police Act were being used. Hence, the amendment sought to bring live music performances within the purview of the Prohibition of Obscene Dance Act. Sections 2 and 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act and sections 2 and 3 of the Prohibition of Obscene Dance Act are sought to be amended under the bill. PTI PR KRK