The premises of the office of Department of Excise here had turned into a hospital for a few hours on Saturday.
Delivering speeches, raising slogans and observing fast are the common methods being followed by various protesters seeking fulfilment of their various demands. However, Gopalakrishna Shanbagh, paediatrician from the city who staged a dharna against the alleged violation of rules in granting permission to open a liquor shop in the city, extended treatment for his patients at the protest site.
Violation of lawsADVERTISEMENT
Speaking to presspersons, the doctor said that New Chalukya Bar and Restaurant in Vinobha Nagar locality in the city was functioning, albeit in violation of existing laws.
In 2003, the Shivamogga City Corporation had granted permission for the construction of a building in which a liquor shop was functioning at present for residential purposes. The building was being used for commercial purpose without taking prior permission from the concerned authorities, he alleged.
The officials of Department of Excise committed a mistake by granting permission to open a liquor shop in the building constructed for residential purposes. The place where the liquor shop is located is a residential area. A government high school and a temple are located in the vicinity. Granting of permission for opening a liquor shop near a school or temple was against the norms laid down in the Karnataka Prohibition Act 1961 and Karnataka Excise Act 1965, he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Shanbagh, who owns a 30 x 40 ft site adjacent to the building said the place had become a hub for anti-social elements after the establishment of a liquor shop.