Telangana News

Expressing concern over 1.5 lakh fatalities every year in road mishaps, the Supreme Court ordered a strict ban on all the liquor shops on national and also state highways across India. It also made it clear that the licenses of the existing shops will not be renewed after March 31st next year.

The apex court, while reserving verdict on December 7th on a batch of pleas seeking a direction to amend excise laws to ensure that no liquor is sold alongside highways, came down heavily on the Punjab government for seeking relaxation.

"Look at the number of licenses you (Punjab) have given. Because the liquor lobby is so powerful, everyone is happy. The excise department is happy, the excise minister is happy and the state government is also happy that they are making money. If a person dies due to this, you give Rs one or 1.5 lakh. That is it. You should take a stand which is helpful for the society," the court said.

Revenue generation cannot be a “valid reason” for a state or a Union territory to give license for liquor shops on highways, the court added.