LAKSHMI G BHAT Vs. SECRETARY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a public interest litigation, seeking to protect and promote the welfare of residents, citizens and particularly the student community of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (hereinafter referred to as "IIMB"), one of the premier institution established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Petitioners-1 to 13 claim to be the employees working in IIMB. Petitioners-14 and 15 are the students studying in IIMB. Petitioner No.16 is a resident of Bannerghatta Road.

(2.) THE grievance of the petitioners is against the inaction and negligence on the part of the respondents, who are entrusted to enforce the rule of law and protect the public interest.

(3.) RULE 5 imposes restriction for grant of licence to liquor shop within 100 meters radius of the educational institutions offices of the Government, hospitals, etc.,. Only in special circumstances, the said distance could be relaxed, for the reason to be recorded in writing and such relaxation should not be less than 50 meters. Object of the said restriction is that, the activity of selling liquor in certain areas is sought to be eliminated, making the liquor inaccessible. Consumption of liquor is obnoxious or deleterious to the health.