The Hindu Business Line : Bombay HC ruling on dance bars puts Govt on back foot

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Bombay HC ruling on dance bars puts Govt on back foot

Latha Venkatraman

Little alternative for bar girls

Under fire
The Government's `determination' at ending the exploitation of women and preventing moral corruption of its youth through this ban came under severe criticism not only from the media but also its political opponents.

Mumbai , April 16

The recent Bombay High Court ruling striking down the legislation banning dance performances in licenced eating houses, permit rooms and beer bars across Maharashtra , has put the State Government on a back foot.

The Government's `determination' at ending the exploitation of women and preventing moral corruption of its youth through this ban came under severe criticism not only from the media but also its political opponents. Now that the Bombay High Court has struck down the ban, the opposition parties in the State are jubilant and briefly demanded that the Chief Minister and his deputy step down. It is another matter that the opposition parties once in the seat of power are wont to take such `populist' decisions.

Moral stand

The moral stand taken by the Government, particularly, Mr R.R. Patil, the State's deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, did bring in huge support for this move.

But the flipside question to this measure that kept haranguing the Government was that `what is being done to rehabilitate the women who earn their living dancing in bars'.

Most women working as bar dancers are driven into it by abject poverty, though there may be instances when a woman enters this arena of work by choice. Alcoholism in the family, destitution, lack of education or technical skills and aspiration for a better life does force women to opt for such jobs.

As age is a limiting factor, the window of opportunities to earn some money as bar dancers is small.

Larger question

Bars need dancers to attract its customers just as these women need an opportunity to earn a living.

The Government's moral argument for banning dance bars can be taken forward to various other `corrupting' forces that influence the youth of the state.

Beyond the moral argument of banning dancing in bars lies a larger question - should not the State take the responsibility of offering gainful employment to women of all educational background? Or at least ensuring that there is no exploitation of any kind at their work place. How about putting an end to the proliferation of dance bars?

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Bombay HC ruling on dance bars puts Govt on back foot