MUMBAI: The Pune district administration withdrew its 13-day blanket ban on liquor sales during the forthcoming Ganeshotsav, after the high court questioned the rationale behind the decision and called it “arbitrary”.
It is a festival, let people celebrate”. The court, however, asked why such restrictions should be imposed only in Pune, which is the most civilised district. On September 3, the Pune district collector issued an order to observe dry days on 13 days of the Ganesh festival from September 14 to 26 in areas falling under the Khadak, Vishrambaug and Faraskhana police station limits. Challenging this order, 58 wine shop owners and country liquor license holders moved the high court on September 6, citing huge financial losses to their businesses. After receiving instructions from the Pune administration, advocate Dige informed the court that a dry day would be observed on September 14, the first day of the festival, until 4 pm; and a full dry day would be observed on September 25 till the morning of September 26, the day of idol immersion.
They also said that every year, shops are only shut on the last day, not during the entire festival. Advocate Kedar Dige, appearing for the collector, told the court that the order was passed to avoid any untoward situation, as women also participate in the festival on the streets. “We have to take a conscious decision to ensure no law and order situation takes place,” he added. “As per you, law and order situation doesn’t arise in any other district?” the bench questioned.
Recording the submissions, the bench directed the Pune collector to issue a fresh order based on the statements made before the court. During the hearing on Friday, the court said, “If someone drinks and shows enthusiasm during the festival, you cannot say they will create some law and order scene on the streets.
