Controlling of Places of Public Amusement Policy 2016

Chandigarh, 20th April, 2016:Taking cognizance of the news articles published in various newspapers on 20.04.2016 and the stories being covered by electronic media regarding the policy “Controlling of Places of Public Amusement, 2016”.

It is to clarify that as per the directions of the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh in CRM-M 22351 of 2015, Chandigarh Administration has framed a policy i.e. “Controlling of Places of Public Amusement, 2016”. Surprisingly, some of the newspapers and electronic media has misquoted, mis-interpreted and distorted the facts related to this policy, especially with the section 6 of the policy. The news articles have distorted the whole policy by picking up words and phrases from different part of the Policy and have tried to create sensational news.  

Majority of the print media have highlighted that the Chandigarh Administration has acted like a moral policemen and thus have tried to curb the right of the citizens by trying to decide what they should wear while going to such places which is absolutely denied by the Chandigarh Administration. The “Controlling of Places of Public Amusement, policy 2016” has been carefully drafted by the administration with a view to regulate the related businesses in Chandigarh. It aims at taking preventive steps timely for the convenience of citizens and to maintain law and order within the city. The fact therein that nowhere in the policy it has been mentioned that females can’t wear skirts, while going to the places defined under the policy, as stated in the print and electronic media. The only motive of framing this policy is to provide conducive atmosphere for the guests visiting such places and to avoid any unlawful activities or any untoward incident. Chandigarh Administration assures all the residents and visitors coming to City Beautiful that their rights will never be infringed.