There has been much debate about the deadlines imposed on nightlife in Bangalore. About 5 years ago, the rule wasn’t in place. Somewhere down the lane, it came into being and one can’t be sure who makes these rules - but like good citizens we just follow, we have no say in them!

The few times I stray towards the city area on weekends, it never ceases to amaze me how like a criminal one is made to feel as soon as the clock turns 1130 pm. It’s like the scene out of the tale of
Cinderella and her evil stepmother. The policemen come charging in their bikes, threatening shop owners, swirling their batons. There’s a mass exodus and an inevitable traffic jam in some areas as everyone closes down together and obviously people want to make use of every last moment. The establishments have no right to determine till what time they want to stay open for customers. It makes one wonder if crime and accidents really have reduced because of the 1130 pm deadline

Doesn’t the law enforcement authority in any city have a responsibility towards its citizens to make sure that they are safe on the streets - ANYTIME during the day or night? Why just 1130 pm?

The police claim that it doesn’t have enough people to protect citizens after 1130 pm. Is this a valid excuse? Imagine getting away with this kind of an excuse in a city like Mumbai or New Delhi or even Hyderabad. And why not compare them? Bangalore too is a large city with many places for evening entertainment, so I don’t see why we can’t be protected beyond 1130 pm! While many argue that people shouldn’t be out at that time at all, I don’t really think it’s anybody’s business what time people want to get home and what time people want to eat and drink. The important thing is that they should have a choice to decide and not feel like criminals for wanting to stay out beyond 1130 pm. I for one don’t really feel that a deadline is warranted in a city like Bangalore.