Claiming that the recent ban imposed by the Supreme Court against liquor shops along national and State highways would also apply to the duty paid shops, lounge bars attached to airports and defence canteens across the country, a PIL petitioner has approached the Madras High Court seeking direction to the authorities to shut down such outlets.
Admitting the plea moved by A.M.K. Sahul Hameed, the First Bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M. Sundar directed the Prohibition and Excise Department to file its reply by July 24. According to Mr. Hameed, despite the ban imposed by the Supreme Court through order dated March 31, defence canteens and duty free shops at airports and hotels, all situated near highways, continued to sell liquor and permit customers to drink in the bars attached to them.
Alleging that the Prohibition and Excise Commissioner was not taking steps to close such shops, the petitioner wanted the court to interfere and pass orders.
