Maharashtra govt to draft bill for revival of Mumbai's dance bars
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce a bill aimed at reviving dance bars in Mumbai. The draft bill was scheduled for approval by the state cabinet on Tuesday but was deferred for modifications.
The ban on dance bars was enforced in 2005 by then Home Minister R. R. Patil. Despite multiple court rulings overturning the ban, successive state governments refused to allow their operation. In 2016, the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants, and Bar Rooms and the Protection of Dignity of Women Act was enacted. In 2019, the Supreme Court struck down legal amendments banning dance bars and proposed regulations, but the BJP-led government rejected them.
According to sources, the proposed bill includes strict regulations: only four dancers will be allowed on stage, a minimum distance of 2-3 meters must be maintained between performers and patrons, throwing money at dancers will be prohibited, smoking inside will be banned, and CCTV surveillance will be mandatory.
Rohit Patil, son of the late R. R. Patil, has opposed the move, citing concerns over Maharashtra’s cultural values. The bill is expected to face opposition in the state legislature.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
