FOUNTAINHEAD ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD. Vs. STATE OF GOA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this Petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the Petitioner seeks a writ of mandamus and a declaration that the order dated 28 March, 2019, passed by the learned District Magistrate, North Goa under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, restricting sale or serving liquor after 11.00 p.m. from the liquor shops/bars & restaurants, pubs, food joints, shacks, etc. for the period upto midnight of 23 April, 2019 and also restricting sale and service of liquor for the period commencing from 6.00 p.m. onwards on 21st April, 2019 upto 12.00 hours on 23 April, 2019 in so far as North Goa is concerned, shall not apply to the Petitioner's event "Goafest" proposed to be held on 11th, 12, and 13th April, 2019. The Petitioner has also prayed for several other reliefs in furtherance of the writ of mandamus.

(2.) We have heard the learned counsel for both the parties at great length.

(3.) It is the case of the Petitioner that the Petitioner is extending help in organizing the said event and has been carrying on business for last several years. The Petitioner had conceived and planned of hosting a three day event by name "Goafest" on 11th, 12th and 13th April, 2019. It is the case of the Petitioner that since April 2018 onwards itself the Petitioner started making arrangements for hosting the said event and inviting various prominent persons, booking of the hotels, flights, venue, etc. for the said event and also has paid substantial amounts, in advance to large number of invitees and the live performers.