Police nod not needed to appoint women in bars, discos, says HC

From now on, bars and discotheques in the City need not obtain permission or seek licence from the police to appoint women.

The High Court on Thursday stayed an order issued by the Police Commissioner in this regard on July 6, 2013.

Justice Anand Byra Reddy granted an interim stay on the guidelines issued by the Police Commissioner in 2013 and directed the police not to insist on licence to appoint women. However, the police has been given liberty to act in accordance with law, in case of any illegalities or indecent activities.

The police had issued these guidelines to ensure safety of women working in such places in the wake of mushrooming of livebands in the City.

The judge granted the stay while hearing an interlocutory application (IA). The IA has been filed to a petition filed in 2008 by bar and discotheques, Akanksha Enterprises and 23 others challenging the police order.

Contending that the police is interfering in their day to day affairs, petitioners said there was a similar situation in 2013 and the High Court stayed the guidelines saying that the police cannot interfere in the business.

The petition says that as per the guidelines, “Licensing and Controlling of Places of Public Entertainment/Amusement,” promulgated under the Karnataka Police Act, the owners of bars and discotheques should obtain permission from the police to appoint women after fulfilling certain terms and conditions. The guidelines prescribe several rules while appointing women in bars and discotheques, which includes the dress code for women staff.

Stating that the said guidelines are against the Police Act, the counsel for petitioners Hemanth Raj submitted that the police has no powers to issue such guidelines.

Additional Advocate General A G Shivanna objecting to the petitioners’ contention said the guidelines were issued in accordance with law to ensure safety of women working in these places.