The Government of Maharashtra, on July 22, 2026, notified the Maharashtra Police and Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) (Amendment) Act, 2026 to amend the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 and the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) Act, 2016. The amendments introduce a statutory definition of "live music performance (orchestra)" as performances by singers, individually or in groups, with or without musical instruments or recorded music, held in hotels, restaurants or bar rooms.
The Act amends the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 by excluding venues where only live music performances (orchestra) are held from certain restrictions applicable to entertainment activities. It also inserts the definition of live music performance into the Act to distinguish such performances from regulated entertainment activities.
Further, the 2016 Act is amended to incorporate the definition of live music performance (orchestra) and to clarify that the prohibition provisions relating to "dances" shall apply to "dances or live music performance (orchestra)", thereby providing a clear statutory framework governing live music performances in hotels, restaurants and bar rooms.
[ACT NO. XXXVI OF 2026]
