The Supreme Court of India had slammed the liquor policy of Kerala government and ask the “logic” of the policy. Apex court had questioned the logic of liquor policy on Wednesday to shut down 730 bars across the state and branding them as “sub-standard”.
Justice Anil R. Dave said, “There is no logic. What do you mean sub-standard? I am a teetotaller, but even I see no logic… how do you distinguish here?”
Notify that new policy is scheduled to be implemented from September 12.
Meanwhile, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court has agreed to hear the affected bar owners against the policy on September 18.
Bar owners approached the Supreme Court to stay the implementation of the policy till the High Court decides on its legality.
In an urgent mentioning to stop the State from enforcing the liquor policy from Friday, a battery of senior counsel for the bar owners termed the policy “discriminatory”.
Senior advocate Aryaman Sundaram said, “What are they trying to attain? Prohibition? Five-star hotels, toddy shops will all function… only certain establishments will be cut off.”
Appearing for the State, senior advocate Kapil Sibal countered that bar owners’ right to sell liquor is not a fundamental right. He said this step was taken as part of a policy decision.
Bureau Report
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