Odisha Govt Not To Allow Obscene Dance At Bars & Jatra Pandals: Minister

Bhubaneswar: Asserting that the Odisha government will never allow obscenity at public places, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday said that the new rules framed by it strictly prohibits bars from performing dance shows.

Bar dance has been banned, while concrete steps will be taken to prevent obscene dance during jatra shows in the state as all these are against Odia culture, the Minister told reporters.

Noting that the bar owners have moved court, Harichandan said that the government has already amended the rules and the court will be informed about this.

As per the modified rules, only orchestra and musical performances will be allowed in the bars, he said.

Regarding obscene dance presented during jatra shows in the state, the Minister said that a meeting will be held with the jatra troupe owners soon on the issue.

Asserting that the state government is keen to maintain the sanctity of Odia culture, he said a new rule will be brought soon to prohibit obscene dance performance in jatra.

Notably, the state government on Tuesday issued a notification regarding holding orchestra and musical programmes in bars across the state.

The government amended the Odisha Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2024, allowing bars to hold orchestra and musical programmes.

As per the amended guidelines, women, not below 21 years of age may be engaged in musical programmes or orchestra in the licensed ON shop premises having a bar license to sell foreign liquor and IMFL for consummation on the premise with prior written permission of the Excise Commissioner.

The premises of bars must have CCTV cameras at appropriate places. If the cameras don’t function, the bar owner must immediately inform the concerned OIC of the Excise Station and the police station under which it falls.