The Maharashtra government will introduce amendments to the Mumbai Police Act during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature to plug legal loopholes that have allowed some dance bar operators to bypass existing regulations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday, June 30.
Addressing the state assembly, Fadnavis said the proposed amendments would ensure that establishments hosting dance performances obtain licences only under the legal provisions specifically meant for dance bars, where stricter regulatory conditions already exist.
According to the Chief Minister, some operators have been exploiting gaps in the current legal framework by obtaining licences under different laws instead of the Dance Bar law, allowing them to avoid tighter restrictions. As Fadnavis put it, operators "keep finding loopholes" while the government "keep[s] closing them." The proposed amendment aims to bring all such establishments under a single licensing mechanism governed by the amended Mumbai Police Act.
Fadnavis made the announcement while responding to concerns raised by Congress MLA Nana Patole over the functioning of dance bars in Thane district. During the discussion, several legislators also expressed concern about the increasing number of dance bars in parts of Bhiwandi, alleging that some had become hubs of criminal activity.
Members urged the government to strengthen oversight, tighten regulations and prevent the misuse of licensing provisions. Fadnavis said the state had already imposed several conditions under the existing Dance Bar law to improve regulation but acknowledged that legal loopholes continued to be exploited.
The Chief Minister also addressed complaints regarding loud music and noise pollution around dance bars. He said permissions for DJs and amplified sound are granted under the existing Noise Pollution Rules, and authorities take action whenever violations are reported.
He informed the assembly that the government, in consultation with the Law and Judiciary Department, is examining a proposal to amend the law to allow the permanent cancellation of licences of establishments that repeatedly violate the rules.
Fadnavis said the government recognised the concerns raised by legislators but emphasised that any legal amendments must remain within the framework of constitutional protections. Referring to the challenge of balancing public expectations with legal safeguards, he said there is "a difference between public sentiment and the law" and noted that the government must ensure constitutional freedoms are not misused while remaining within legal limits.
The Chief Minister also stated that disciplinary action had been taken against police personnel found guilty of misconduct in cases related to dance bars, although he did not provide the exact number of officers involved.
During the discussion, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar suggested constituting a panel of legal experts to examine proposed legislation before it is enacted. He said such a review could help identify potential loopholes in advance and reduce the scope for misuse.
If passed during the monsoon session, the proposed amendments are expected to establish a uniform and stricter licensing framework for dance bars, reduce ambiguity in the licensing process, strengthen enforcement and enable tougher action against repeat violators.