RAMESH BABU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Challenge is raised by the petitioners in these Writ Petitions against the amendments to the Kerala Liquor Transit Rules, 1975 (hereinafter referred to as "the Rules"). Rules 3 and 5 of the Rules were amended by Ext.P7 notification dated 3.2.2005. I extract below the amended rule showing particularly the nature of the amendment.

(2.) The purpose which the amendments seek to achieve is narrated in the explanatory note in the following words.

(3.) The Kerala Liquor Transit Rules, 1975 was published in the Kerala Gazette on 10.2.1976 and it has remained without any successful challenge against its constitutional validity till now. It is of significance to note that even in these Writ Petitions the validity of Rules 3 and 5 prior to their amendment are not challenged and the only prayer is that the amendment may be struck down as unconstitutional, so that the unamended rules will be restored.