Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 29: In a Public Interest Litigation seeking ban on consumption of liquor in Jammu and Kashmir, Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey today sought response from the Government within one week.
The DB also directed the State to spell out the steps taken by it for closure of liquor shops along the highways and near hospitals, educational institutions and religious places.
The PIL seeking ban on sale and consumption of liquor in the State has been filed by Islamic Organization namely Karwani Islami through its chairman Ghulam Rasool Haami, who submitted that Government has failed to take necessary steps for prohibition of sale and consumption of liquor in the State.
“The issue as to whether in the State total prohibition is to be strictly enforced or not, is a policy decision to be taken by the State Government. Bearing the same in mind, one week’s notice is issued to Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Home Department, Director General of Police, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Inspector General of Police”, the DB said.
Earlier, the petitioner submitted that due to failure of Government to take effective steps in this regard, the health of the people of the State has badly affected and various social evils are taking place day in and day out. Moreover, many human lives have been lost due to drunken driving as such complete ban should be imposed on sale and consumption of liquor in the entire State.
Referring the Article 38 of Indian Constitution, the petitioner said, “this Article imposes obligation on State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of people and it is the bounden duty and obligation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to take necessary steps to curb the menace of liquor which has far-reaching ill effects to the health and well being of the population of Jammu and Kashmir”.
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