Bombay High Court Lifts Liquor Ban for October 27 in Nagpur
The Bombay High Court has allowed liquor sales on the counting day for MLC elections, easing restrictions for traders.
Liquor shops in Nagpur can operate on October 27 during MLC counting.
Restrictions on sales during polling days remain in effect.
The ruling follows petitions from local liquor vendors challenging the dry-day orders.
In a pivotal decision, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has ruled that liquor shops in Nagpur will not be required to close on October 27, the day designated for counting votes in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections. This ruling comes as a significant relief for liquor traders who had been facing restrictions due to the dry-day orders issued by local authorities.
The court's decision was made during hearings of petitions submitted by liquor vendors from Nagpur and Chandrapur, who contested the dry-day mandates imposed by district administrations. The division bench, led by Justices Urmila Joshi and Raj Wakode, determined that while the restrictions related to polling days would remain intact, the requirement to close liquor outlets on the counting day was unwarranted.
Previously, district administrations had mandated that liquor stores remain closed from 4 PM on October 21 until the end of polling on October 23, and also declared October 27 as a dry day. The vendors argued that extending the prohibition to the counting day would negatively impact their businesses and that a distinct legal justification was necessary to enforce such a ban.
The High Court's ruling allows licensed liquor retailers in Nagpur and Chandrapur to continue their sales on the counting day, provided they adhere to existing laws and regulations. However, it is crucial to note that the dry-day restrictions associated with the polling period are still in effect, meaning liquor outlets must comply with the closure orders during the specified election timeframe.
The MLC elections encompass various constituencies, including the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency, with polling scheduled for October 23 and counting on October 27. This decision by the High Court aims to balance the interests of liquor businesses while ensuring that the electoral process remains orderly and peaceful.
