Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working therein) Act, 2016
The Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (working therein) Act, 2016
This law regulates dance performances in hotels, restaurants, and bar rooms across the State of Maharashtra, India. It applies to establishment owners, managers, customers, and female dancers. The Act prohibits obscene dances, defined by sexually suggestive movements or exposure, and mandates strict licensing for venues. It matters because it prioritizes the safety and dignity of working women, establishing grievance committees and enforcing harsh penalties—including heavy fines and imprisonment—for unauthorized operations, exploitation, and inappropriate customer behavior like physical touch or throwing money at dancers, thereby balancing commercial entertainment regulations with essential human rights protections for female employees.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Permission for hotel, restaurant and bar room.
- 4. Licensing Authority.
- 5. Conditions for grant of licence.
- 6. Eligibility for licences.
- 7. Act in addition to other law and not in derogation.
- 8. Punishment for offences.
- 9. Power to suspend, revoke or cancel licence.
- 10. Appeal to Appellate Committee.
- 11. Revision.
- 12. Grievance redressal mechanism.
- 13. Delegation of powers.
- 14. Power to make rules.
- 15. Power to remove difficulties.
- 16. Deletion of section 33A of the Maharashtra Police Act.
PDF: pending for this language.