‘Declare Martyrs’ Day as a dry day’

HC issues direction to govt. in view of Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary

CHENNAI, 24/05/2017 : For City : The members of VCK party staging demonstration at Redhills on Wednesday, demanding closure of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlet in state highways in Redhills in Chennai, A scene on crowded Tasmac shop. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the State government to declare January 30 as a dry day on account of Martyrs’ Day’ — the day on which Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.

A Division Bench of Justices K.K. Sasidharan and P.D. Audikesavalu observed that 2019 marked the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

“As a mark of respect, we direct the Tamil Nadu government to declare January 30 as a dry day by closing all liquor shops across the State,” the court said.

The court passed the orders after taking cognisance of a news report carried by The Hindu .

The report said that a Tasmac shop at the Anna Nagar Junction near Suguna Stores in Madurai was causing problems to commuters. The court ordered closure of the shop until further orders.

The case was posted for reporting compliance by the officials concerned.