In a big jolt to bar owners in Kerala, the Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Kerala government's policy to close down all bars and allow liquor to be served only in five star hotels. The apex court passed the order on the petitions by Kerala bar owners, who had challenged the liquor policy claiming it to be discriminatory.
Kerala government's new liquor policy had resulted in the shut down of over 300 bars in the state.
But just three days before world ushers in 2016, a bench headed by Justice Vikramjit Sen put paid to hopes of bar owners to get back into business. The bar owners, in their plea, have contended that the policy of was discriminatory in nature and would lead to a situation where only the well-heeled have access to alcohol.
However, Kerala government had argued that the decision taken by the state not to renew licences was a policy decision.
Kerala High Court had upheld the state government's liquor policy granting licenses to beer and wine parlours. The state government's decision was a part of its policy to make Kerala a liquor-free state by 2023.
The private bar owners have contended that this policy of "partial ban" was discriminatory in nature.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the bar owners, had said this policy will lead to a situation where only the well-heeled have access to alcohol.
On October 30, 2014, the Kerala High Court had upheld the the state government's decision to close down more than 700 bars, but had exempted heritage and five-star hotels.
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