From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: In a modification of its August 9 order for closure of all wine shops and bars situated within 500 meter radius of education and religious institutions in Guwahati city, Gauhati High Court on Friday ordered that that those bars and liquor shops with existing licenses issued on or before March 13, 2000, can reopen their business with immediate effect.
The order comes as a relief for over 120 bars and wine shops in the capital city. There exist over 400 wine shops and bars in Guwahati.
On the question as to whether the closure orders in respect of those with licenses issued after March 13, 2000, should continue or not, the High Court would first have the views of the high-power committee, which has been asked to submit a report on September 9. The court, at the same time, would continue to monitor the functioning of the committee.
The High Court, through an order, has also asked the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam to inform that the Court as to what steps the Government proposes to take against the Excise department officials prima facie responsible for violation of Excise laws while granting licenses in Guwahati City.
The Court also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) to complete the exercise of preparing of a list of liquor shops, bars, pubs, lounge bars, hotels etc along with the names of the official responsible for granting of such licenses.
Advocate Pranab Pathak, who appeared on behalf of IMFL Retailers Association, while stating the relevance of March 13, 2000, said, “In response to six PILs filed between 1999 to 2000 against the mushrooming of wine shops, the Gauhati High Court had issued an order dated March 13, 2000, expressing its reluctance in playing an active role.
The Court had stated that ‘It was the duty of the State Government to ensure compliance of the Excise Act henceforth’ and those securing licenses before that date should be allowed to operate.