The Maharashtra government introduces and passes legislation to regulate live music performances—often run under “orchestra” or live-music licences—in hotels, restaurants and bar rooms under the same framework that governs dance bars. Multiple reports say Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar tables the “Maharashtra Police and Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) (Amendment) Bill, 2026” in the Legislative Assembly. After a debate described as heated, the Bill is passed by the House. The government’s stated purpose is to address a licensing loophole. Under the existing system, Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act and related Public Amusement Rules allow police authorities to issue licences for public amusement, including musical performances and dancing. The government says some establishments allegedly use orchestra or live-music licences to bypass the stricter controls of the 2016 dance-bar law. The amendment proposes to bring live music performances, including orchestra shows, within the 2016 Act, so licences for live music in such premises would no longer fall under the Maharashtra Police Act. The stated intent is a uniform regulatory framework and clearer oversight.