Indian Hotel And Restaurant ... vs The State Of Maharashtra Home ...

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurant and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016, and its associated Rules, under Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution. The Court held that the provisions of the Act and Rules infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals engaged in the entertainment industry, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and livelihood. Consequently, the Court struck down the contested provisions as unconstitutional, affirming the need to balance regulatory measures with individual rights.