Madras High CourtWP/11674/2021disposed of

K.Devamani v. Union Of India

2021-05-20Honourable The Chief Justice,Honourable Mr Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy2 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20.05.2021 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.SANJIB BANERJEE, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.No.11674 of 2021 K.Devamani ...

Petitioner vs 1 Union of India Rep. by its Secretary to Health Health Department O/o. The Chief Secretariat Goubert Avenue Pondicherry 605 001 2 The Excise Commissioner Excise Department Thattanchavady Puducherry 605 006 ... Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to temporarily ban the sale of liquor, cigarettes and tobacco of any form within the territories of Puducherry till the COVID- 19 comes down by considering the petitioners representation dated 01.05.2021 given to the respondents. For Petitioner : No appearance For Respondents: Mrs.N.Mala, Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

(made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This is a public interest litigation seeking a direction on the State to temporarily ban the sale of liquor, cigarettes and tobacco of all forms within the territories of Puducherry till the Covid-19 situation is controlled.

2. It appears that in course of the lockdown, which is strictly enforced, liquor shops are closed and, if at all, open at specific times. The decision to completely stop the sale of liquor or tobacco is a matter of policy. It will be open to the https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

Union Territory to consider whether it would be in public interest to prohibit altogether the sale of liquor, cigarettes and other forms of tobacco till the Covid-19 situation has been brought under control.

3. W.P.No.11674 of 2021 is disposed of. There will be no order as to costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar(VO) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar tar To:

1 The Secretary to Health, Health Department O/o. The Chief Secretariat Goubert Avenue Pondicherry 605 001 2 The Excise Commissioner Excise Department Thattanchavady Puducherry 605 006 W.P.No.11674 of 2021 VBM(CO) RMP(09/06/2021) https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/