Court refuses to revoke license of desi liquor shop

- Karnataka High Court rejects application

Bangalore 8th September 2020 Tuesday

The Karnataka High Court, while hearing a case, had opined that just because a place has an image or statue of Gandhiji does not make it a place of worship or a temple.

A Bengaluru legislator had filed a petition in the High Court seeking that a liquor shop should not be licensed 30 meters away from the statue of Gandhiji on MG Road in Bengaluru. In support of his application, the counsel cited Section 3 (3) of the Karnataka Excise License (General Conditions) Rules, 1967. A liquor store cannot be licensed near a shrine, shrine, temple or educational institution as stated in this section.

The petitioner said that since thousands of people come to pay homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi every year, a license to open a liquor shop near it could not be granted.

The court had dismissed the petition before a bench of Justice Abhay Srinivasa Oka on Monday, saying Gandhiji himself never thought he would be worshiped. And having a statue of Gandhiji does not mean a place of worship or a temple.

Earlier, the court had asked the district collector to visit the spot on July 9 and conduct an inspection. The court asked the district officer to verify the basis on which the liquor shop was licensed. The court made the observation after receiving his report.

The court told the petitioner that the court understands your feelings for Gandhiji but it is important to keep in mind that the place does not become a place of worship as it has an image or statue of Gandhiji. Even those who have respect for Gandhiji express respect. Respect for Gandhiji has nothing to do with liquor store licenses.