Liquor shops can’t be closed, says Madras High Court
According to the petitioner, many people were affected due to unprecedented heavy rains and floods.
Chennai: The Madras high court has rejected a plea to close down for 60 days, all the Tasmac retail shops in the flood affected districts of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore.
Dismissing the public interest litigation filed by Kanimozhi Mathi, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, said it was a policy decision of the government and the court cannot interfere in it.
According to the petitioner, many people were affected due to unprecedented heavy rains and floods. Several persons extended their assistance to the affected people. One of the challenges faced by them while reaching the much-needed relief to helpless population was the menace of some rogue and lumpen elements, invariably in a state of alcoholic
inebriation.
Women volunteers could not continue the distribution work due to the disturbance caused by the drunk men. They were not just menacing, but creating a fear psychosis among relief volunteers.
Therefore, closing of all Tasmac shops in all flood affected districts for 60 days will significantly bring down the menace of inebriation and anti-social behavior.
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