24 February,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the assembly on Tuesday. PIC/X
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday stated that licences of orchestra bars will be cancelled in cases of repeated violations, and the state government will soon introduce a legal amendment to this effect.
Intervening during a debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during Question Hour, Fadnavis recalled that the state had earlier enacted a law banning dance bars, but the legislation did not stand scrutiny in the Supreme Court and was held to be unconstitutional.
Subsequently, the law was modified and amended to permit orchestra licences for bars.
"The court allowed women to work in bars and we accordingly amended the rules, making them more stringent. However, complaints of violations are still being received from areas such as Panvel in Navi Mumbai," CM Fadnavis said.
He added that in keeping with the principle of natural justice, establishments would be heard and penalised for violations three to four times, but in cases of repeated offences, orchestra bar licences would be permanently cancelled.
"An amendment to this effect will be introduced soon, either in the current session or in the next session of the legislature," he said.
Fadnavis further stated that the government's intention was to completely shut down dance bars, but this could not be implemented as owners applied for orchestra licences instead.
"We granted permission for orchestra performances under strict rules, but complaints continue to be received," he noted.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Tuesday appealed to citizens not to respond to any video calls claiming "digital arrest", clarifying that such a concept does not exist in law.
He said there is no legal provision for a "digital arrest" and warned that scammers impersonating police or CBI officials are using video calls to create a fake "virtual jail" atmosphere, which is entirely fraudulent.
Intervening while replying to a question raised by member Abu Azmi in the state assembly during Question Hour, the Chief Minister highlighted the sophisticated nature of such cyber frauds and emphasised that no government or law enforcement agency conducts arrests through video calls.
He underlined the importance of the first 60 minutes - the "golden hour" - after a fraud takes place. If the incident is reported immediately to the 1930 helpline or on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, there is a significantly higher possibility of freezing the transaction and recovering the money.
Fadnavis said that lodging a complaint within the golden hour enables the police to trace the transaction trail and prevent further movement of funds.
"No government agency or police officer will ever arrest you over a video call or ask for money to settle a case. If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately and report it to 1930," he stated.
