High Court Seeks Delhi Govt's Response On Liquor Brands With Fixed MRPs, Their Registration Under New Excise Policy

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought response of the Delhi Government regarding the liquor brands of which MRPs have been fixed under the New Excise Policy as also the remaining brands regarding which such MRPs are yet to be fixed.

Justice Rekha Palli also asked the Delhi Government to inform it as to whether the registration of such brands have already taken place.

The Court was dealing with petitions filed by 16 successful bidders who were granted L7Z and L7V licenses for operation of retail liquor vends. The pleas therefore challenged the Delhi Government's decision to levy licence fees with effect from November 1, 2021.

It was the case of the petitioners, who were represented by Senior Advocate Maninder Singh and Advocate Tanmay Mehta, that the respondent authorities cannot direct them to deposit the license fee from November 1 as the payment of the license fee is dependant on the commencement of business in accordance with the Delhi Excise Rules.

It was thus submitted by the petitioners' counsel that the respondents had not fixed MRPs of most of the liquor brands and therefore have no right to direct them to pay the license fee.

On the other hand, Senior Advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Rahul Mehra appearing for the Delhi Government stated that the MRPs of most of the brands have already been fixed and since a division bench comprising of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh is already seized of hearing a bunch of pleas challenging the New Excise Policy and interim orders have also been granted, the plea be listed before the same bench.

On this, the Court was of the view that before the aspect of considering the plea on its merits, it would be appropriate for the Delhi Government to furnish the details as regards the fixing of MRPs.

Accordingly, the Delhi Government sought time to take appropriate instructions in the matter.

The case will now be heard on November 11. 

Title: PATH2WAY HR SOLUTIONS PVT LTD & ORS. Vs. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI