Can parties be on the right side of law?

Akshat Mudbidri, manager, Akcent India Music Project says, “We have taken this decision considering the raids by the Kerala police. It is not safe for the artiste to perform in the state. You never know what will happen in such raids.”

The raids have stamped a negative image on night life. DJs and partygoers are on a rough patch. According to them, people know only half the truth. They lament over equalising music to drug and come out with own ways to show the truth. Savio a popular DJ has commenced a Facebook campaign — “No To Drugs, Yes To Music”. “The news was misinterpreted. Hence, we are planning to organise shows aiming at awareness. We are trying to promote healthy partying through this campaign. I have done such shows in colleges and for charity. Everything has pros and cons. We must learn to filter it,” says Savio.

According to him, banning parties will only worsen the picture. “If they ban club parties, illegal private parties will pop up which will be uncontrollable. Also, banning can adversely affect the career of many people including DJs and allied persons. Proper police surveillance can control situations. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the organisers to keep things in control,” he points out. Actor Ranjini Haridas concurs with the opinion. “It is true that drug consumption has become rampant in state. It must be stopped. But, condemning a party as drug venues is wrong. Researchers, say that there is a glorified connection between music and drug. There are some people who take advantage of that. We have to eliminate these elements from party scene. It is a misconception that only drugs can make people dance. I have seen people who dance for hours without taking any drugs. People find happiness when partying with friends in clubs in weekend. As a woman, my safety is in my hands. I have to be vigilant,” she opines.

Sidharth, a party lover has a different take on it. “The recent raids seized a few grams of marijuana. But, the news coverage went beyond reporting and gave it a different slant altogether. There is a talibanisation happening targeting nightlife and partying. A police officer I spoke to, maintained that ‘partying is not part of our culture’,” he says, adding, “Parties are modelled around alcohol sale. Drug users are bad customers and no one wants them.”

An IT professional who has been watching the scene closely has something else to say. To him, it is an evil that’s slowly taking a grip on us. “It was through my friend I came to know about it. His house is close to one of the night clubs and they witness many disturbing incidents. This urged me to go deep into the issue. Drug use is very much there. We had reported it two years back. But, steps have been initiated only now. There have been instances when people were admitted in hospital due to heavy usage. There is a drug mafia as well as partner-providing mafia. These are rampant in private parties, and hotels too have contributed to the growth. There are parties, where consumption of drug is mandatory. Also, there is a vast network waiting to trap our youth on social networking sites.”

However, City Deputy Commissioner of police R. Nishanthini, says the police is not against entertainment. “But, we will not allow illegal parties and violation of rules. We are getting more information and will act accordingly.”