(1.) This writ petition has been filed by the Petitioner as 'Public Interest Litigation' highlighting the menace caused because of the country liquor shops run by the Governmental institutions at the place situated with close proximity to Railway lines, nearby the East Cabin at Sakti. The Petitioner points out that the liquor shops are situated in a densely populated area and are causing serious problems and threats to the general public, especially women and children, who proceed to the Educational institutions, workplace residents and their home, because of objectionable acts/ advances and frequent quarrel by persons after consuming liquor purchased from the liquor shops. There are frequent instances of breaking of glass bottles and leaving it on the road and near the railway tracks. There is an allegation that the shops are situated within prohibited distance, with reference to the Education institutions and such other establishments. It is in the said circumstances that the Petitioner is constrained to move this Court by filing the writ petition, seeking for a writ of mandamus to be issued to the Respondents for shifting the liquor shops, producing photographs showing the topography and lie and the location of the liquor shops and the Railway lines.
(2.) When the matter came up for consideration before this Court on 14.05.2019, the learned Advocate General sought for time to get instructions and to put-forth their version. The Respondents have put it in writing and the Petitioner has filed a rejoinder as well. When the matter was considered by this Court earlier, the prevailing situation was taken note of and it was observed on 06.08.2019 that the liquor shops being run by the Government and Governmental agencies, the Government has got a better role to play, with commitment in this regard, especially, in view of the mounting number of crimes and atrocities being committed against women and children. We passed an order in the above circumstance on 06.08.2019, which is to the following effect:
(3.) As per the said order, possibility for shifting the liquor shops was expressed by this Court and instructions were called for. Thereafter, when the matter came up for consideration before this Court on 24.09.2019, it was submitted on behalf of the State that the steps were being taken to re-locate the liquor shops and that the attempt of the Governmental agencies had become fruitful in identifying alternate spots. Further time was sought for to give effect to the same, and now, an affidavit dated 15.10.2019 has been filed by the part of the Respondents, paragraph- 2 to 4 of which are relevant and hence they are extracted below: