Does Free Entry at Clubs Open Doors To Prostitution?

Bangalore: With the city life changing, an average day to most women would mean one hard, toiling day at work followed by a quiet dinner and unwinding with friends over a few drinks. While one may describe this as innocent, the Times of India revealed the tale in the city of Mumbai, where one had to face the brunt of the city's newest gatekeeper of morality. Going by the reasoning employed by Assistant Police Commissioner Vasant Dhoble — it may be deemed 'immoral' to be at a restaurant.

Earlier this month, Dhoble and his Social Service Branch busted a restaurant in north Mumbai and detained 11 women on suspicion of being involved in prostitution. Of these eleven, two women, Anamika Rao and Bindiya Handa, have now moved the Bombay high court, seeking a compensation of 1 crore each for wrongful detention and defamation.

Dhoble justified his actions by stating that the "birthday party" at the restaurant was a front for prostitution. Dhoble allegedly said "The men at the party were charged 3, 000 for entry, while the women were allowed entry free," as reported by TOI.

If free entry into a restaurant is to be linked with being a sex worker, then it may be a surprise to know that even expatriates, bankers and celebrities are offered free entry at eateries, nightclubs and pubs on particular nights. More importantly, free entry for women is a tried-and-tested marketing principle in India and around the world.