Azhagu.R v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.03.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN Azhagu ... Petitioner vs.
1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.
2.The Senior Regional Manager, O/o. the Senior Regional Manager, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), Pudukottai District.
3.The District Manager, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), Plot No. 5/B-1, SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Pudukkottai District.
4.The Commissioner, Prohibition and Excise, Ezhilagam, Chepauk, Chennai.
... Respondents 1/7
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to close the Diamond Star Club bearing Licence No.FL2 184/2025-2026 situated at Ponnamaravathi East, Pudukkottai District based on the petitioner's representation dated 26.02.2026 and consequently direct the fourth respondent to cancel the liquor licence issued to the said Diamond Star Club bearing Licence No.FL2 184/2025-2026. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Senguttu Arasan For Respondents : Mr.A.Kannan (R1 & R4) Additional Government Pleader : Mr.H.Arumugam (R2 & R3)
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to the respondents to close the liquor bar, namely "Diamond Star Club," bearing Licence No. FL2 184/2025-2026, situated at Ponnamaravathi East, Pudukkottai District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 2/7
26.02.2026, and consequently to direct the fourth respondent to cancel the licence issued to the said establishment.
2.By consent of both parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself. 3.Mr. A. Kannan, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the respondents 1 and 4, and Mr. H. Arumugam, learned counsel, accepts notice for the respondents 2 and 3. 4.It is the contention of the petitioner that the establishment of the liquor bar, namely "Diamond Star Club," in close proximity to a place of worship and an educational institution would seriously affect the sanctity of the temple and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the locality. It is submitted that a large number of devotees, particularly women, regularly visit the temple, and that the road in question is frequently used by school students. According to the petitioner, the presence of the liquor bar would create an 3/7
unsafe and unhealthy environment, thereby adversely affecting the safety and well-being of women and students. It is further contended that the proposed site is surrounded by residential houses, and that the functioning of the liquor bar would disturb the peace of the locality. It is also stated that an existing TASMAC liquor shop is functioning within a distance of about 400 meters, which has already caused nuisance, environmental issues, and hardship to the residents and farmers in the area. 5.It is the further contention of the petitioner that the proposed bar, having an FL2 licence bearing No. FL2184/2025-2026 issued by the fourth respondent, would lead to law and order problems, public nuisance, and other unlawful activities, thereby endangering the safety of the residents, particularly women and children.
It is submitted that the local residents have strongly opposed the establishment of the bar and have conducted protests expressing their objection. It is also contended that the proposed shop has been established within 50 meters of the State Highways, which is in violation of the applicable Rules.
representation dated 26.02.2026 to the concerned authorities. Since the same has not been considered, the present Writ Petition has been filed. 6.The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 and 4, on instructions, submitted that the petitioner's representation dated 26.02.2026 would be considered and appropriate orders would be passed within the time stipulated by this Court. 7.In view of the above, considering the serious objections raised by the petitioner, the fourth respondent is directed to examine whether there is any violation with regard to the location of the shop in question, particularly with reference to the distance of 50 meters from the State Highways, and to consider the petitioner's representation dated 26.02.2026, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 5/7
8.With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.
[N.S.K.,J.] [M.J.R.,J.] 17.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes ps To 1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.
2.The Senior Regional Manager, O/o. the Senior Regional Manager, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), Pudukottai District.
3.The District Manager, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), Plot No. 5/B-1, SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Pudukkottai District.
4.The Commissioner, Prohibition and Excise, Ezhilagam, Chepauk, Chennai.
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N.SATHISH KUMAR , J.
and M.JOTHIRAMAN , J.
ps ORDER MADE IN DATED : 17.03.2026 7/7