{
  "id": 9179187,
  "title": "‘Law And Order Apprehension Needs Supporting Material’: Bombay HC Quashes Denial Of Live Music Licence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/law-and-order-apprehension-needs-supporting-material-bombay-hc",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T17:51:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/law-and-order-apprehension-needs-supporting-material-bombay-hc-quashes-denial-of-live-music-licence"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 22, 2026, the Bombay High Court ruled that authorities cannot simply deny a live music performance licence based on a general fear of law and order issues. Justice NJ Jamadar dismissed the denial of a licence to Magmus Bar and Restaurant in Khar, Mumbai, and ordered the licensing body to grant it within four weeks. Obtaining No-Objection Certificates Authorities had obtained no-objection certificates from local officials after applying for the licence. However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters-Hotel Branch) rejected the application on October 1, 2025, citing fears that live music could incite law and order problems and disrupt social harmony. The company's appeal was also rejected by the Divisional Commissioner, Konkan, on June 2. The State argued that subordinate police reports were merely recommendations and did not bind the DCP. They cited criminal cases against the restaurant's directors, the potential for unruly patrons, heavy traffic, and complaints from neighbors and residents. However, the court found that the DCP's decision lacked supporting material. The court relied on the police station's report, which mentioned the location as a commercial area with a wide road and no nearby places of worship or educational institutions. The premises were also soundproof and had parking facilities. While acknowledging the authority's discretion in granting a licence, the court stated that it cannot be completely arbitrary. \"A mere ipse dixit (bare assertion) of the competent authority that the grant of licence may lead to law and order problem, without anything more, cannot be sustained,\" the court noted. The court also pointed out that two criminal cases against the directors had been dismissed by the High Court, and the authorities' complaints were filed after the DCP's decision. The court found the orders to be unreasonable and arbitrary, setting them aside and directing the licensing body to issue the performance licence within four weeks.",
  "summary": "Mumbai, September 22, 2026: The Bombay High Court has held that authorities cannot deny a performance licence for orchestra and live music merely by citing a general apprehension of law and order problems, without placing any material on record to support such a claim. Justice NJ Jamadar, on September 16, quashed the refusal of a performance licence to Magmus Bar and Restaurant on S V Road, Khar,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}