THE KERALA HC RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A WOMAN CONCERNING THE SHIFTING OF A LIQUOR SHOP IN HER NEIGHBOURHOOD

The single-judge Justice Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court informed the Excise Commissioner that the Court would hold him responsible for any grievances or complaints arising out of failures in ensuring liquor stores are operated in compliance with the directions of the Court.
The Single-judge mentioned a letter that he had received by a woman expressing concern about the plan of shifting a liquor shop in her neighbourhood. The letter stated that the liquor shop is shifting to a crowded place that does not have enough space to even park cars and therefore would result in an unsafe environment for women. The Senior Government Pleader (GP) S Kannan remarked that the Commissioner would look into the matter but, it cannot entertain every such letter. In response to the remark, the court said this is just one letter out of the 50 letters received. 
The Court mentioned the letter while hearing a contempt petition concerning the location of liquor stores that caused inconvenience to the general public. The court, however, refused to pass any order due to various reports which indicate that the Excise Commissioner is in the process of re-hauling liquor stores.
The Court directed the Commissioner to file a report regarding the steps taken to ensure the functioning of liquor shops in accordance with the Court's previous orders. 
In an earlier order, the court ordered that the liquor stores must be run in a dignified manner. 
Any store that wants to cater for customers and avoid general nuisance should be shifted to better-suited locations.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal