Wednesday, June 8 2005 20:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: A New Delhi-based NGO today (Jun 8, 2005) filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court challenging Maharashtra Government's proposed ban on dance bars in the State.

The PIL, filed by advocate R K Maheshwari of the Forum for Justice and Peace before Justice R M Lodha and Justice J P Devadhar, will come for hearing on July 6.

The matter was adjourned after the Government pleader sought two weeks' time to file a reply.

In the PIL, the petitioner argued that the State Government cannot order the closure of dance bars, as choosing a profession was fundamental right of a person guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

It further argued that at the most the State Government can put some sort of restrictions on the dance bars.

The petitioner also argued that State Government's decision to allow dance in five star hotels and discos and not in the bars was discriminatory.

The petitioner further said that if one could not afford to go to five star hotels and discos, it would be injustice on the people, as dance bars were affordable to all sections.

Earlier, the Government had announced that it would soon bring out an ordinance banning the dance bars in the State as the State felt that it was encouraging crime. Besides, women were being exploited and also money was being displayed extravagantly.

Currently, the Government has sent the ordinance to the Governor for getting his approval on the issue.