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Bombay HC Questions Pune's Solo Liquor Ban
11 Sep
Summary
- Court questions Pune's isolated liquor ban during festival.
- Collector revises ban to a few hours on specific day.
- Ganesh Chaturthi dry day now applies statewide.
- Revenue loss and stigma cited as ban concerns.
The Bombay High Court has questioned the Pune district collector's decision to impose a 13-day ban on liquor sales during the Ganesh festivities.
Justices Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Advait Sethna raised concerns about singling out Pune while exempting other districts, including Mumbai. They sought the rationale behind this selective restriction, describing it as a potential stigma against the district.
Their concerns extended to the broader implications of such a blanket order, including potential revenue loss for the state excise department and the argument that habitual drinkers might flood hospitals. The court emphasized that enforcing law and order during festivals is a state responsibility, and jubilant behavior does not inherently imply law violations.
Following the court's inquiry, the Pune collector revised the order. The liquor sale restriction is now limited to September 14 until 4 PM. Additionally, Anant Chaturdarshi on September 25 will be observed as a dry day across Maharashtra, a practice already in place statewide. With the petitioners' main grievances addressed, the court disposed of the petitions.
