The Supreme Court dismissing a special leave petition filed by Tamil Nadu Government against the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court ordering closure of a TASMAC retail shop in Kalingapatti in Tirunelveli district was a slap on the face of State Government, said Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko.
Talking to reporters here on Monday, Mr. Vaiko said the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the petition at the admission stage on Monday was a recognition to the peaceful protests carried out by the party against liquor.
“The court order has shown a new path that people’s wish through a resolution passed by a village panchayat can lead to closure of a liquor shop,” Mr. Vaiko said.
He said Kalingapatti panchayat, led by V. Ravichandran, had passed a resolution demanding closure of the TASMAC shop in his native place in August 2015. The resolution was sent to the Tirunelveli Collector and the TASMAC Manager there.
Simultaneously, a writ petition was filed before the High Court Bench, seeking the same relief. During the course of the case, the High Court issued an order in November 2016 that the shop should not be opened after the Collector claimed that closure of the shop would lead to revenue loss.
Subsequently, the State Government went on appeal against the High Court order.
Demanding that the government should close all the liquor shops, Mr. Vaiko said he would again organise protests involving students across the State, demanding total prohibition.
