‘Liquor ban is a one-sided decision’:Bombay HC says addicts may fall ill and crowd hospitals, restricting it only in Pune is stigma for residents

The Bombay High Court on Friday reprimanded the Pune administration for imposing a 10-day ban on alcohol during the Ganesh festival. The court said that if a person addicted to alcohol is unable to drink for 10 days, they could crowd hospitals. During the hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna asked what was the rationale behind singling out Pune. The court said, “We condemn such a practice. It is a stigma for the residents of Pune.” Following the Bombay High Court’s reprimand, the Pune administration has reduced the 10-day alcohol ban during the Ganesh festival to two days. The sale and consumption of alcohol will now be prohibited until 4 pm on September 14 and throughout September 25. 3 major observations by the court: Legal action necessary against anyone disrupting law and order, whether drunk or not A blanket restriction cannot be imposed without any rational basis. The court said that if a person consumes alcohol during the festival and takes to the streets in celebration, it cannot be assumed merely on that basis that they will create a law-and-order situation. However, the court also made it clear that whether a person has consumed alcohol or not, if they create a situation that disrupts law and order, they must face action under the law. The alcohol ban was imposed only in Pune district and not across Maharashtra. The court questioned what message the government intended to send by issuing such an order against only one city or district. Can the administration completely ban the sale of alcohol during a particular festival or event? The administration can declare a ‘dry day’ on special occasions to maintain law and order, but such a decision should not be arbitrary. Citizens and businesses have the right to challenge any unreasonable or unilateral order issued by the administration in court. A sudden and prolonged complete ban on alcohol could have serious health consequences for people who are addicted to alcohol. In such a situation, the administration needs to strike a balance between public interest and law and order, rather than imposing a unilateral ban. What impact does a 10-day ban on alcohol sales have on government revenue and local businesses? Decline in government revenue: A 10-day alcohol ban reduces revenue from excise duty and VAT, putting pressure on government finances. Impact on local businesses and employment: Liquor shops, bars, hotels, restaurants and supply chains are affected, which can impact business and employment. Risk of growth in the illegal market: Illegal sales and smuggling may increase during the ban. This can lead to revenue losses, organised crime and health risks from spurious liquor.