Image for representative purposes only
The Kerala High Court has approved ‘no-liquor’ policy, saying that ‘it is in line with the Indian Constitution.’
The court said that alcohol should only be served in five star hotels. The other hotels will be provided wine and beer licences.
The high Court also said that since the sale or consumption of liquor does not affect the fundamental rights of the citizen and hence the right to frame liquor policy is justified.
The court even cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which says “the state shall endeavour to bring about prohibition… except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.”
The Oomen Chandy-led Congress government had announced in August that it would make Kerala an alcohol-free state in the next ten years. Kerala has the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the country and experts feel that the state will incur an annual loss of Rs 8,000 to 9,000 crore due to the ban. The modified policy presented by the Congress-led government in Kerala, demanded bars across state to be shut down. Liquor would be made available only in heritage or luxury hotels.
via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1EYDhpl
No comments:
Post a Comment