Don’t discriminate between five-star hotels on licences: HC to police

Justice PB Majmudar and Justice RM Sawant,however,said that the police’s action cannot be discriminatory.

“How can you distinguish between Sea Princess and other hotels? There is no reason to discriminate,” the court said.

Lawyer for Sea Princess Mukesh Vashi showed the court a letter by the Deputy Commissioner permitting the hotel to run its dicotheque till 3 am and a 24-hour coffee shop. Nalavade,however,pointed out that the DCP’s letter dated August 18,granting permission was subject to availing the necessary licences under the Public Performances Act. The court directed the government to decide the hotel’s application under the Act by September 20.

Nalavade said at the time of granting permissions,the police also had to take into account the traffic problems caused in the area because of the discotheque. The court,however,said,“Don’t be negative. All hotels should be treated equally.” The court asked the police how bottlenecks would be created at 3 am.

The hotel opened a discotheque,bar and lounge called ‘Trilogy’ in 2010. Subsequently they obtained a public entertainment licence following permissions from the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in August 2010 that expired in December 2010. When the hotel sought renewal,it was only allowed to employ a Disc Jockey but no discotheque. “Restrictions should be reasonable,” the court had earlier told the state government.