PIL seeking closure of liquor shops in flood-hit areas dismissed

The Madras High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking a direction to the authorities to close down liquor shops in flood-hit areas of Tamil Nadu.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana dismissed the PIL by Kanimozhi, an advocate, saying that it was a policy matter of the State government adding that courts cannot interfere in it. 

Kanimozhi contended that Chennai, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore districts were severely affected in the recent floods and people in these areas have lost almost everything and are finding it difficult to get food and shelter. 

Operating the government-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation outlets, which sells alcoholic beverages in these areas, would further ruin their livelihood, Kanimozhi had explained in the PIL. 

Dismissing the PIL, the judges said it was for the Government to take a decision on the matter.