Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the city police to not interfere in the lawful activities of over 27 bars and restaurants in the city.
Several bars and restaurants had moved the court challenging their closure by the police for employing women.
Directing the police not to interfere in legal activities of these establishments, the court, however, made it clear that the police can act in cases of illegal activity.
The petitioners contended that on September 28, 2018, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) police entered their premises and forced them to close without any order served on any of them. The police further threatened to raid their premises and file criminal cases if they do not close down their businesses, the petitioners alleged.
According to the petitioners, the reason cited by the police was that they employed women to serve liquor in the bar and this would lead to law and order problem.
The petitioners contended that there are nearly 1,000 women working in the petitioner restaurants and they would starve without jobs. These women depend on the petitioners for their livelihood. “If the petitioners are not permitted to allow women employees, then they will be put to hardship and irreparable loss,” the petition read.
They added that apart from the women, there are also around 1,000 male employees who are also affected due to closure of bars and restaurants.
