Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) The Maharashtra legislative assembly on Tuesday passed a bill bringing orchestras and live music performance licenses under the ambit of the Prohibition of Obscene Dance Act and proposing stricter punishments.
The legislation is aimed at preventing 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.
Replying to the debate on the Maharashtra Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Rooms (Prohibition of Obscene Dance and Protection of Dignity of Women Working Therein) Bill, 2026, Minister Pankaj Bhoyar said the state had first attempted to amend the law in 2005, but the effort could not materialise because of court proceedings.
He said the Maharashtra Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women Working Therein Act, 2016, was enacted to safeguard the dignity of women employed in such establishments. However, the government later found that some operators were misusing orchestra licences issued under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, to organise obscene dance performances.
Bhoyar said the existing penal provisions were too lenient, enabling violators to resume illegal activities even after action was taken against them. The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, or both, for organising or permitting obscene dance performances. It also prescribes imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, or both, for operating an orchestra without the required licence or in violation of the law.
Urging members to pass the legislation unanimously, Bhoyar said the amended law would strengthen enforcement against illegal activities while ensuring protection of the dignity of women working in hotels, restaurants and bars.
The bill was passed by the assembly by voice vote.
The amendment defines a live music performance as a solo or group singing performance, with or without instrumental or recorded music, in hotels, restaurants or bar rooms, bringing such establishments within the scope of the 2016 Act.
Several MLAs demanded that responsibility also be fixed on local police officers if illegal dance bars continued to operate in their jurisdiction, alleging that such establishments could not function without official patronage.
Members also suggested mandatory CCTV recording of performances, geo-tagging of complaints and periodic monitoring by the police to ensure effective implementation of the law.
Some legislators urged the government to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for women working in such establishments, arguing that stricter legal provisions alone would expose them to greater exploitation.
Several members also sought greater clarity on the legal definition of “obscene dance” to ensure uniform enforcement and prevent misuse of the law. PTI MR NSK KRK
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