Punjab and Haryana High Court Calls for Action on Illegal Liquor Vends Near Highways

Original: Punjab and Haryana High Court issues notice to Punjab on illegal liquor vends near highways

The Indian Express•Apr 1, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice to the Punjab Government regarding illegal liquor vends operating within 500 meters of highways in Fazilka district. The court directed the government to file an affidavit in response to a Public Interest Litigation highlighting safety concerns and violations of Supreme Court directives.

Key Points

01The court issued a notice to the Punjab Government regarding illegal liquor vends near highways.
02Over 60 illegal liquor vends are reportedly operating within the prohibited distance in Fazilka district.
03The petitioner provided a detailed list of specific illegal vends and their locations.
04The court emphasized the need for strict compliance with Supreme Court orders prohibiting such establishments.
05Punjab has eight weeks to respond with a detailed affidavit.

In-Article Ad

Full Summary

On Wednesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning illegal liquor vends in Fazilka district, Punjab, which are operating within the 500-metre restriction from national and state highways. The petition, filed by Manjeet Singh, highlighted that more than 60 liquor vends are violating the Supreme Court's ruling from the 2016 case of State of Tamil Nadu vs K. Balu & Anr. The court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, noted the serious public safety implications of these illegal operations, which are allegedly contributing to drunk driving and road accidents. The petitioner had previously submitted three representations to authorities, including the chief minister, but received no action. The court has mandated Punjab to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's directives and has granted eight weeks for the government to file a detailed affidavit regarding the situation.

Key Figures

500 metres

Prohibited distance for liquor vends from highways

60

Number of illegal liquor vends reported

8 weeks

Time given to Punjab to file an affidavit

In-Article Ad

Why It Matters

This ruling could lead to the removal of illegal liquor vends, enhancing road safety and reducing public nuisance in Fazilka district.

Who is affected

local residents, commuters, and road users in Fazilka district

What to know

Residents should report any illegal liquor vends to local authorities to ensure compliance with the court's directives.

FAQ

The main concerns include the illegal operation of liquor vends within 500 meters of highways, leading to public safety issues such as drunk driving and road accidents.

The court directed the Punjab Government to file a detailed affidavit and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's orders regarding liquor vends.

Read the original article →