SC Dismisses Plea For Closure Of Liquor Shops During Lockdown

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition which sought for the closure of liquor stores citing violation of social distancing rules.

Noting that multiple petitions of this nature were being filed only for the sake of publicity, the Bench comprising of Justices L Nageswara Rao, SK Kaul and BR Gavai said.

"We cannot have multiple petitions like this. These are all publicity oriented. We will impose costs", remarked Justice Rao, miffed with the frivolous nature of the petition.

Advocate Prashant Kumar had approached the Apex Court with the plea urging the Court's to direct the closure of liquor stores during the operation of lockdown because of the social distancing rules.

Appearing in person, via video conferencing, he argued that there are many asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in India which must be kept in mind.

"But what does that have to do with the sale of liquor?", asked Justice Rao while expressing his displeasure regarding the filing of frivolous petitions.