The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a contempt petition filed against the Maharashtra government for alleged violations of the court's guidelines while granting licenses to dance bars. The court has classified the petition as a public interest litigation (PIL) and stated that the petitioner does not have the standing to maintain the contempt petition.

The contempt petition was filed by Ravi Pandayan, represented by advocate Anand Jondhale, accusing the government of disregarding the court's guidelines and failing to uphold public morality and decency in licensing dance bars. The Supreme Court, on January 17, 2019, relaxed stringent conditions imposed by the state government on the licensing and functioning of dance bars in Mumbai, thereby allowing their reopening. This decision struck down certain provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants, and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The court aimed to strike a balance between public interest and the constitutional right to earn a livelihood.

According to the contempt petition, the government had failed to comply with the Rules for Licensing and Controlling Places of Public Amusement (other than Cinemas) and Performances for Public Amusements, including Melas and Tamashas, as outlined in the Amusement Rules of 1960. The petitioner alleged that dance performances were being allowed in an "indecent, obscene, and vulgar manner," violating the dignity of women and leading to their exploitation.

The petitioner argued that the state government's inaction towards addressing these concerns was arbitrary and a clear violation of the Supreme Court's order. It accused the government of adopting a selective approach and failing to fulfill its duty in obeying the court's directives.

Following the Supreme Court's dismissal of the contempt petition, advocate Anand Jondhale announced plans to file a public interest litigation before the Bombay High Court. This move intends to address the issues raised in the petition and seek appropriate legal remedies.

The dismissal of the contempt petition by the Supreme Court highlights the court's stance on the matter and categorizes it as a broader public interest issue. The decision also emphasizes the need for the government to adhere to the court's guidelines regarding dance bar licenses while ensuring the protection of women's dignity and preventing exploitation.