The High Court of Rajasthan dismissed a petition challenging the State Government’s order to open liquor shops amid COVID 19 lockdown. The bench observed that it would not interfere in the matter as the Supreme Court had dismissed a similar plea on May 8.
The division bench comprising of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice SK Sharma was hearing a petition filed by Nikhilesh Katara and others who had submitted that the State Government has allowed the operation of liquor shops in red zones in violation of the Central Government’s guidelines. Moreover the petitioners submitted that social distancing could not be practiced where people were gathering at liquor shops further aggravating the threat to the spread of COVID 19.
However, Advocate MS Singhvi appearing for the State Government submitted that the State Government was strictly adhering to the Central Government’s guidelines in maintaining social distance at liquor shops. He further submitted that the Government has not allowed the operation of liquor shops in the hotspot zones and curfew areas.
It was further clarified that proper social distancing measures were being observed at the liquor shops and excise guards have been deployed to maintain order while the customers come to purchase liquor from these shops.
-India Legal Bureau