Can Aadhaar be made mandatory to buy Tasmac liquor, asks Madras High Court

Madurai: Seeking to know if Aadhaar can be made mandatory for buying liquor in Tasmac shops, to curb the menace of drunken driving besides prevent minors for buying liquor, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has sought a response from state government on the issue and wanted to know if it is possible to close down all Tasmac bars in the state.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the bench comprising Justices N. Kirubakaran and S.S. Sundar, observed that bars are one of the major causes for increase in accidents due to drunken driving. Also, they serve as a convenient spot for criminal activities. The bench questioned TASMAC authorities why they should not close down all bars in the State and sell liquor in bottles.

Wondering if Aadhaar can be made mandatory for buying liquor in Tasmac outlets so that sale of liquor to minors can be checked, the judges said closing down the Tasmac bars would curb drunken driving.

When there are bars, people park their vehicles outside the bars, consume liquor and drive away in their vehicles. Drunken driving is not only punishable by law but also is dangerous both for the rider and other road users. So, closing down the bars would be the best solution, the judges said.

In addition, the judges asked the State government if the opening time of Tasmac shops can be changed to 2 pm instead of 12 pm and directed the state and Tasmac department to respond to the queries before the next hearing on March 12.

The PIL was filed by B. Muthupandi of Madurai challenging a tender floated by the Tasmac department with regard to leasing out of TASMAC bars under Madurai North and South units of the department.

On the change of tender period for Tasmac bars from one year to two years, the judges have sought an explanation from the department