Date:25/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/25/stories/2008092553280500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Women can now work in bars

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday lifted the curbs on employment of women in bars and restaurants when it quashed the rules in the Karnataka Excise Act prohibiting them from working in such establishments.

Justice D.V. Shylendra Kumar passed the order on petitions by a chef in a hotel and two women who had moved the court after they were denied the opportunity to work in the hotel as hostesses.

The petitioners contended that the State could not bar employment of women as it amounted to discrimination. Moreover, it violated Articles 14, 15 16, 19 and 21 of the Constitution which mandated equal opportunity and no discrimination.

They said the State had framed the Excise rules in an arbitrary and illegal manner, denying women the opportunity to work in bars and restaurants.

The State defended the rules, saying that they were meant to provide security and safety for women harassed by customers when they consume alcohol at bars. .

Allowing the petitions, Justice Shylendra Kumar said Rule 19 (1) which prohibits employment of women in a licensed place where liquor is served is unconstitutional.