Indore : Reprimanding the state government for not filing its reply within the stipulated time, Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday gave two days to the government to submit its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against extending closure time of liquor shops, bars and pubs in the city.
The government had sought four weeks time, but its request was turned down by division bench, comprising Justice PK Jaiswal and Justice JK Jain. The court granted two-day time to the government and fixed next date for hearing on Friday.
Recently, the government has extended the closure time of liquor shops from 10.30 pm to 11.30 pm and of pubs and bars from 11 pm to midnight. Ankur Jaiswal filed the PIL challenging the state government’s order stating that it caused rise in criminal incidents.
Counsel of the petitioner, advocate Manish Yadav alleged that the excise department extended the closing time of liquor shops, bars and pubs by one hour without taking suggestions and objections from stakeholders. “The government extended the time for sale of liquor to increase its revenue but its move has led to soaring incidents of crime in the city,” claimed Yadav.
He alleged that the excise department extended the closing time of liquor shops, bars and pubs by one hour without taking suggestions and objections from stakeholders. “The government extended the time for sale of liquor to increase its revenue but its move has led to soaring incidents of crime in the city,” claimed Yadav.
To substantiate the claim, the petitioner submitted the crime records since April 1, from the day the extended time order came into force, along with the petition. The petitioner said that the government’s order is a rude joke with the residents who are protesting against liquor shops in residential areas for the past one year.
