The Madras High Court on Wednesday decided to hear on July 24, a case challenging a Government Order (G.O.) issued on April 24 permitting the serving of liquor to guests at national or international conferences/summits at conference halls, convention centres (other than those in educational institutions) and in other venues such as stadia hosting sports events of national or international importance.
Chief Justice S.V. Gangapurwala and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu fixed the date for hearing after Advocate General R. Shunmugasundaram told the court that the G.O. had been issued on a par with the practice being followed in other States, where the serving of liquor was permitted during events such as celebrations after cricket matches. The A-G requested the court to take up the case for hearing at the earliest.
The submission was made during the hearing of a public interest litigation petition filed by K. Balu, president of the Advocates’ Forum for Social Justice, challenging another G.O. issued on March 18 which provided for grant of special licences to serve liquor even for certain events conducted at wedding halls and also for household celebrations, functions and parties. All these provisions however, were deleted from the amended G.O. issued on April 24.
