The controversial order to shut dance bars across Maharashtra is likely to be implemented within the next few days after final approval is obtained from Governor S.M. Krishna, nearly two months after the announcement.

The state government's ordinance cancelling the licences of all dance bars in the state has been lying at Governor Krishna's office since June 3 for his sanction.

"Krishna had left for a tour of Britain two days before the ordinance was sent to his office. The dance bar ban implementation had to be put on hold in the absence of his clearance," said a state home ministry official.

"With the governor returning to his office Friday, we hope that the ordinance will be sanctioned within the next couple of days, paving the way for closure of dance bars in the state," the official, who didn't want to be named, told IANS.

"We will issue instructions for its implementation to all district police officials and other government agencies concerned as soon as the ordinance gets the governor's approval."          

The government had in March announced its decision to shut dance bars across the state on the grounds that they promote flesh trade and adversely affect society, especially the youth.

The decision to shut down the dance bars, many of which are alleged to be a front for prostitution, was finally cleared at a cabinet meeting June 1.

While the order will see the closure of nearly 2,000 dance bars in the state, dance performances in star hotels and clubs have been exempted. The ordinance provides for stringent penalties for those flouting the order.

"The delay of nearly two months in implementing the ban has helped us prepare a firm legal framework. We know that the decision will be challenged in the court and we are prepared for it," said the official.

A Delhi-based NGO Wednesday filed a petition in a local court here challenging the state government's decision to shut down all dance bars.

The petitioner argues that the government cannot order the closure of dance bars as selecting a profession is a fundamental right of a person guaranteed under the country's constitution.

Meanwhile, the Indian Bar Girls' Union, an organisation fighting for the rehabilitation of girls employed in dance bars, claims that scores of women are migrating to their home states and are being driven to prostitution.

"Most of the girls have lost hope of being rehabilitated by the state government or other agencies. Faced with acute poverty, they are now turning to prostitution," said Varsha Kale, president of the union.  

"The situation will become very alarming when all of the 75,000 girls, working in the dance bars in the state, are thrown out on the street after the implementation of the order over the next few days," she added.

The dance bars, euphemistically called ladies' bars, usually have women entertaining customers looking for food, liquor and, sometimes sex.