The Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council on Wednesday urged the State government to bring total prohibition in the State by fully utilising the observations made by a Division Bench of the High Court while upholding the United Democratic Front government’s liquor policy.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, president of the council Archbishop Soosa Pakiam M. said the observation made by the Bench that sale or consumption of liquor does not encroach on the fundamental right of the citizens is a positive development towards bringing total prohibition.
Rehabilitation
The government may deem it necessary to open wine and beer parlours as a step towards immediate rehabilitation of workers who were employed in the closed bars. However, it does not augur well for the younger generation. “The government should evolve alternative means to relocate the workers and bring total prohibition in the State,” he said.
Corruption charges
Asked about corruption charges against Ministers, the archbishop said the Church is of the view that guilty should be punished.
“But till the charges are proved we cannot find one guilty. In the past, politicians have resigned on their own when allegations were raised against them. It’s a personal choice,” he said.
Support for strike
The archbishop also extended the council’s support to the strike planned by fishermen on April 8 in protest against the implementation of Meenakumari Committee report on deep sea fishing.
