ADV. K. VIJAYAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner/Adv.K.Vijayan has filed the instant public interest litigation with the following reliefs:

(2.) Though Mr.C.Rajendran, learned counsel for the petitioner, by relying upon the number of bars, beer and wine parlors, bar hotels and the policy of the Government submitted that because of the Government's policy directing the bar hotels to sell liquor at the retail price as offered by IMFL shops run by Bevco and since the same would affect the interest of the bar hotels and thus sale of liquor was not conducted in bar hotels, consequently, resulting in crowding of people in the IMFL shops run by Bevco and in the abovesaid circumstances sought for issuance of prayer No.1, posed with the question as to whether the writ petition is filed to prevent crowding or to start sale of liquor in bar hotels within the State, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that he is not pressing prayer No.1 sought for in the writ petition. However, submitted that Covid 19 protocol and regulations issued from time to time by the Government have not been followed in letter and spirit. Referring to the number of Covid cases from 18.6.21 to 29.6.21, extracted in the statement of facts, he prayed that appropriate directions may be issued to prevent crowding in liquor shops.

(3.) Taking note of letter dated 2.7.2021 of a Hon'ble Judge of this court, a suo motu public interest litigation, W.P.(C)No.13498/21 has been registered in the matter of crowding and queues in front of liquor shops during the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Decision in My Hindustann Paints v. State of Kerala (2017 (3) KHC 717) has also been referred in the abovesaid letter. Photographs appended to the letter shows large gathering/big queue in front of liquor shops. Photographs depict that social distancing is not maintained. These shops are located on roadsides and near to residential buildings.