The State government will seek some more time to file an affidavit before the Kerala High Court with regard to the formulation of a liquor policy.
“As the Assembly session is on, we are unable to complete the discussions in this regard. A final decision on this will be arrived at after holding discussions within the party as well as in the United Democratic Front,” the Chief Minister told mediapersons here on Sunday.
He, however, added that the government would not delay the discussions and would come out soon with a final decision.
Earlier, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court had asked the State government to file an affidavit on the bar licence issue while hearing appeals filed by some bar hoteliers against a single judge’s order refusing to interfere in the issue.
While the government submitted that a decision on the renewal of licences would be taken based on the report of the Secretary (Taxes) and sought four more weeks to file a counter affidavit, the Bench directed it to file the statement by July 7.
KPCC stance Staff Reporter writes from Thrissur: Reiterating his stance on the liquor policy, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president V.M. Sudheeran said here on Sunday that he supported the people’s will against reopening of the closed down bars.
Interacting with mediapersons, Mr. Sudheeran said he was of the opinion that in addition to the 418 closed bars, other sub-standard bars that are functioning now should also be closed down. “The State government will take its own stand in court on the bar issue. The KPCC does not have role in it.”
Mr. Sudheeran said he had not sent any letter to the Chief Minister on the issue. He, however, said he had conveyed the people’s response against opening the bars to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
‘Review situation’ He said the government should review the social changes and situations after the bars had closed down. Many people had anticipated flow of illicit liquor and drugs to the State if bars were closed. But nothing happened, he said.
Mr. Sudheeran said there had been noticeable decline in motor accidents and crime rate. Incidents of domestic violence had also come down.
