Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena criticises Bombay High Court's decision on nightlife proposal

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut on Saturday criticised as "judicial intervention in governance" the Bombay high court's decision in a case about allowing bars and restaurants to stay open all night.

The Bombay High Court has stayed the implementation of the night life proposal until it has been satisfied that women's safety will be taken care of. Raut said that he has respect for the court and its decisions. "But the judiciary should not always intervene in government matters. It is an insult to democracy. If in each and very matter the court is going to give its judgement, what do we need elections for? We should dismiss the democracy," Raut said while speaking to Zee 24 Taas news channel.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice A K Menon had on Friday said, "We cannot restrict the state from taking a policy decision. However, if it is taken or is being taken, then before it is implemented, the state will have to satisfy the court that impact on the safety of women is considered."

Mumbai unit Bharatiya Janata Party president and MLA Ashish Shelar said his party respects the court's observations. "We need to address the women's safety issue first. Law and order is important for night life," he said.
Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray has been pushing for city pubs and restaurants to stay open all night. It is his pet project, which has also got a nod from the Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria.

Majeed Memon, noted senior advocate and Nationalist Congress party leader, said Raut seemed to be anguished by the HC's decision perhaps because the HC has practically turned down what was suggested by the young Sena leader. Memon said that if the Shiv Sena or for that matter any one else is aggrieved by the HC's decision, or feels that HC is overstepping its authority, in that case, the matter can be taken to the apex court.