(1) Dr Barad wrote that: " permission (was) given by the Supreme Court (of India) to reopen the dance bars in Maharashtra, on the grounds of so many of the dancers being thrown out of employment.
(2) Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão: " The Supreme Court of India merely upheld the 2006 Judgement and Order of the Bombay High Court in this case; in that it was violative of right to equality guaranteed under the Constitution. The Maharashtra government banned dance bars in eateries, bars, etc. under the Police Act. But permitted dance bars in 3 stars and above hotels. This is what was discriminatory and struck down." Question and Comment: Question: In legal matters, who should I believe? Someone who refers to gossip and imagination or someone who refers to Law Reports? Comment: In a land of Devadasi temple girls and 'court dancers' a la Anarkali, we portray rather pitiful and hypocritical selves by raising this big hue and cry about these dance bars. What wrong is there, I ask, if adult women earn a living by willingly dancing to make men happy? My only concern would be if they were exploited by the uncouth Indian men patrons who are often depraved enough to rape and gang rape women and pimps who would infest such establishments, NOT to forget those Bakshishwallas. jc
