RAVINDRA MARUTI PATROT Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners, who are the residents of Chinchali village, Raibag Taluk, Belagavi District, have approached this Court seeking a writ of mandamus directing the respondents, particularly respondent No.4-Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi District to consider their representation dtd. 13/1/2026 [Annexure-D] and further to issue a notification for closure of Liquor Shops/Bars in Chinchali Town Panchayat during the annual Jatra/Fair of deity Mayakka Devi Temple, Chinchali, scheduled to be held on 1/2/2026 to 9/6/2026.

(2.) The grievance of the petitioners is that, notwithstanding the submission of the representation well in advance, no decision has been taken by the competent authority. It is contended that during previous years, permission for sale of Liquor during the annual Jatra resulted in law and order problems, disturbance to religious activities and breach of public peace.

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that Sec. 21 of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965 ("the Act 1965" for short) empowers the authorities to order closure of Liquor Shops during festivals, processions or when there is a threat to maintenance of law and order. It is further submitted that this Court, in W.P.No.5722/2017 [GM-RES-PIL] had earlier directed the authorities to consider closure of Liquor Shops during the said annual Fair and to take appropriate decision in that regard.