HYDERABAD: A public interest litigation petition(PIL) was filed in the Hyderabad High Court seeking directions to the Andhra Pradesh government not to allow establishment of liquor shops within 500 metres of the National Highways in Andhra Pradesh state. As per the order of Supreme Court passed in March last year, no wine or liquor shops should be established within 500 metres on the highways. The Apex Court had passed the order keeping in view the alarming situation regarding road accidents resulting in loss of human life and permanent disabilities to citizens, it noted.
Petitioner K Gokul Poturaju from Krishna district, in his petition, submitted that the Apex court has framed guidelines regarding establishment of wine shops across the National Highways. However, the AP government has been allowing establishment of liquor shops at a distance of 220 metres on highways contrary to the orders passed by the Supreme Court, he pointed out and sought directions to the state government not to allow establishment of such shops within 500 metres.