No new rules for the bars and discotheques in Chandigarh and even short skirts are not banned here. But if the establishments are considered “indecent or of a scurrilous character or seditious and likely to excite political discontent”, they do empower bureaucrats to cancel the permits.

The new night life policy banning the skirts, came into force on April 1st. This went viral in the social media, witnessing the anger of many. In fact, "Chandigarh, Skirt, Nightclub" was the top search on Google in India yesterday.

The new policy called Controlling of Places of Public Amusement, 2016  prohibits, “Any exhibition or advertisement whether by way of posters or in newspapers, photographs of scantly dressed women.”

Responding to the issue, several angry activists opined that, the women should be consulted before framing the rules.

“If they are asking the women not to wear short skirts, they have to give in written that no wrong will happen with them. This is baseless. The decision must include the consent of the women as well,” said activist Barkha Shukla Singh.

The BJP's Shazia Ilmi called it "extremely idiotic" and "high moral policing" and suggested other solutions to ensure the safety of women.

As per the new rules, except security men, rest others are explicitly banned from  carrying guns and firearms into bars and nightclubs, irrespective of possessing license for the weapons. The new policy also curbed the bar timings till midnight instead of the 2am allowed earlier, much to the chagrin of the citizens.

Not just the discotheques, the new policy applies to any type of establishments where there is music, dancing, eating and alcohol is served.

On the orders of Punjab and Haryana high court, the Chandigarh administration framed the policy, witnessing several violent incidents outside discotheques in the city.

By Phani Ch