PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF BAR DANCERS

PETITION FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF BAR-DANCERS IN MAHARASHTRA

In view of the Maharashtra governments recent ordinance banning dance bars, we as concerned members of the civil society protest this ban.

We contend:

- That it violates the fundamental rights to live with dignity, livelihood and free mobility guaranteed to all persons living on Indian territory, under Articles 21 and 19 of the Constitution of India. The right to livelihood is also recognised by the Supreme Court in the Olga Tellis vs Bombay Administration case

- That as party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Indian government must meet its obligations under international law as required by Articles 51 (c) and 253 of the Constitution of India.

- That the Ordinance will now give free rein to the police to further harass and extort the bar-girls with impunity

We Oppose:

- The states attempts to regulate peoples livelihoods by labeling them culturally unacceptable, as culture is a highly subjective issue, and has diverse meanings for different people from different communities, especially in a pluralistic country like India.

We are concerned:

- That these attempts at moral policing deny to the bar-dancers the right to free choice and exercise of individual agency.

- That the states policy towards the bar dancing has an inherent elitist and class bias.

We Demand:

- That this ordinance be declared unconstitutional.

- That the human rights of the bar-dancers be RESPECTED, PROTECTED and FULFILLED by the Indian state.