'The Battle Has Only Begun': Kerala High Court Appreciates Efforts Taken To Regulate Crowd In Front Of Liquor Outlets

The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed its appreciation for the efforts taken by the Excise Commissioner and Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd. for crowd control in front of retail liquor stores and better infrastructure at such facilities across the State. 

Justice Devan Ramachandran remarked, 'Certainly, this is a welcome step, but the battle has only begun.' The matter has been adjourned to 30th July. 

Excise Commissioner S. Ananthakrishnan IPS and Managing Director of BEVCO Yogesh Gupta IPS appeared before the Court today for the virtual proceedings and interacted with the Bench. 

The Excise Commissioner submitted that they were taking earnest and joint efforts to avoid overcrowding in front of retail liquor outlets in the State, as per the directions from the Court. They were also taking steps to ensure that each of such outlets was equipped with the necessary infrastructure. 

Government Pleader S Kannan added that two outlets that were causing trouble to its neighborhood have been relocated to suitable locations. One of these counters was in the very vicinity of the High Court, he submitted. 

The Single Bench was impressed with the progress in the matter, although it was after 4 years since the issuance of directions. The Excise Commissioner and BEVCO have now been entrusted with the duty of launching a comprehensive audit of the facilities and suitability of each retail liquor store in the state. Every retail counter has to be accounted for.

S. Ananthakrishnan IPS agreed with the Court and submitted that appropriate steps will be taken of which the Court will be duly informed. The Bench recorded its appreciation for this diligence. The appearance of the officials will not be, however, required for the next hearing unless specifically ordered by the Court, Justice Devan Ramachandran held. 

Additionally, measures were to be implemented to adequately protect the collective dignity of the society and that of the customers, as required under the Constitutional mandate of this country.  

Permission was sought to implead the Managing Director of BEVCO who is the present incumbent into the matter by Advocate Santhosh Mathew, representing the petitioner. The Court granted permission for the same. 

Case Title: My Hindustan Paints v S.Ananthakrishnan IPS