Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Says Legal Loopholes Will Be Closed; Repeat Violators May Lose Licences
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will amend the Maharashtra Police Act to eliminate legal loopholes that allow illegal dance bars to operate under performance licences, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Assembly.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Nanabhau Patole regarding orchestra bars operating beyond permitted hours in Thane district, the Chief Minister said that, following the amendment, establishments wishing to operate dance bars will be required to obtain licences exclusively under the Maharashtra Dance Bar law. The existing practice of running dance bars by obtaining only a performing licence under the Police Act will no longer be permitted.
Fadnavis said that despite strict regulations governing dance bars, some establishments have been exploiting provisions under the Police Act to operate illegally. The proposed amendment will make compliance with all conditions and restrictions under the Maharashtra Dance Bar law mandatory for such establishments.
He added that action is already being taken against establishments violating licence conditions as well as against police officials found responsible for lapses. A proposal has also been forwarded to the Law and Judiciary Department to introduce provisions for cancelling the licences of establishments that repeatedly violate rules or are involved in criminal activities.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that no licences for recorded music dance performances have been issued within the jurisdiction of the Thane Police Commissionerate under the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women Working Therein Act, 2016.
He also stated that between January 2026 and June 12, 2026, a total of 18 cases were registered against licensed orchestra bars under the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, for violating public entertainment regulations. Charge sheets have been filed in nine cases, while investigations are continuing in the remaining nine.
According to the Chief Minister, night patrol officers and beat marshals regularly inspect orchestra bars in the Thane Police Commissionerate to ensure they close within the prescribed hours. Immediate legal action is taken whenever violations of licence conditions are detected.
