HC seeks data on closure of Tasmac shops, bars in TN

After hearing a petition filed by Selvaraj, secretary, Manapparai Bar Association, Tiruchy district, a division bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice SS Sundar also sought data on the Tasmac shops that would be shut in the next phase. It also ordered the State government to counter file a plea seeking closure of such shops.

The petitioner said a Tasmac shop has been functioning along the national highway opposite to the Munsif court in Manapparai in violation of the Supreme Court order. The existence of such shops have been causing difficulties to litigants, lawyers and the court staff, he said. A petition to shift the shop had already been submitted to Tiruchy Collector.

The counsel for Tasmac stated that the said outlet was closed temporarily and steps were being taken to shift it. Meanwhile, the petitioner counsel, Ganapathi Subramaniam, claimed that several bars attached with liquor shops had been found violating rules in most parts of TN. Contrary to rules of bars functioning within four concrete walls, such ones have been functioning under fibre and steel asbestos sheets, he said.

During the hearing, the bench also noted that the number of liquor addicts in TN was way more than other states. In its suo moto proceedings, it impleaded Tasmac’s managing director as respondent in the case.

The bench also raised other queries on the number of Tasmac shops and bars existing in TN with adequate infrastructure facilities and construction plans.

It questioned the presence of fire safety equipment in such shops and bars. It also sought data on those applied for licenses to run liquor shops and bars, and the regulations followed to issue thje licenses.

Further, the bench also asked whether food items in bars were tested according to FSSAI standards and adjourned the case till March 4.