Deadline lifted: Mumbai can party till 5am on New Year's Eve

The Mumbai High Court has extended the deadline for New Year parties for city eateries and hotels till 5am. [caption id=“attachment_1315935” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] The change in deadline came about after the Indian Hotels and Restaurant Association (AHAR) yesterday approached the Bombay High Court challenging the city police’s 1.30 AM deadline for eateries and restaurants on New Year’s eve. After Mumbai Police commissioner issued the directive, the police commissioners of Thane and Navi Mumbai followed suit citing concerns of ‘serious crimes’ and ’law and order disruptions’. Aggrieved by the directive, AHAR petitioned the High Court seeking a direction to police to recall its deadline. As news of the high court verdict emerged, Mumbaikars took to Twitter to celebrate: 

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  According to the petition, the Maharashtra Home department and Excise department had in circulars dated 19 and 24 December, respectively, granted permission to hotels and restaurants to remain open till 5 AM. The circular, however, said each hotel owner should get permission from the police commissioner. “But the commissioner issued a blanket order saying no eatery, hotel or restaurant should be opened beyond 1.30 AM. Such a deadline is not imposed on five-star hotels and pubs. They are allowed to remain open till 3 in the morning. Why this discrimination? This is a very elitist outlook. Are only the rich allowed to party and celebrate?” petitioner’s advocate Veena Thadani questioned. The petition also mentioned that the hotels and restaurants have already spent a huge amount, arranged parties and sold tickets. PTI