HC directs police to seal restaurant used for cabaret performance
The Hindu
It directs DGP to conduct frequent inspections in clubs, restaurants and other associations
The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed Greater Chennai Police to seal a restaurant being used as a nightclub for cabaret performance right in the heart of Chennai since 2014. It also issued a direction to the Director General of Police (DGP) to conduct frequent inspections across the State in clubs, restaurants and associations where obscene dances, sale of drugs and other illegal activities are suspected to be taking place.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam also directed Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to cancel the licence granted to Pals Restaurant, functioning at GG Complex on Anna Salai. The orders were passed while disposing of a 2015 writ petition filed by A. Jayaprakash against the restaurant owner S. Ramasamy. The petitioner had complained of obscene dance by multiple women at the restaurant from 7:30 pm to 1 am almost everyday.
The petitioner said the restaurant was indulging in the illegal activity in the guise of conducting Indian cultural dance.It collected entry fee of ₹400 per head but did not issue any receipt. About 25 to 30 women in the age group of 16 to 35 were made to dance half nude among the participants who fling currency notes at the dancers. Liquor was also supplied at the restaurant since a Tasmac shop was located right inside the commercial complex.