File Photo: Bombay High Court (Thinkstock)
The Bombay High Court today asked Maharashtra government not to implement its proposed policy to revive the city's nightlife until adequate measures are taken to ensure the safety of women.
The court, which was hearing a public interest litigation or PIL regarding safety of women in the city, said "Unless you study its impact on the safety of women, do not take a decision. If the state takes this decision then you should refer the matter to an expert committee."
The court directed the government to refer the policy to the Justice CS Charmadhikari committee, set up earlier to address the issue of safety of women, for impact assessment.
The committee, while recommending a complete ban on dance bars, had noted that there was a drop in cases of crime against women.
The court also asked the state government whether it has taken a policy decision of keeping the Mumbai's clubs and bars open all night. The court has given four weeks' time for reply.
The court also observed that, "The state cannot be restrained from taking a decision on keeping bars and pubs open through the night but the state should ensure that there will not be tremendous pressure on police for this."
The government, which has sought three weeks' time, admitted that the policy was the brainchild of Shiv Sena youth wing chief Aditya Thackeray, which the government accepted.