Liquor ban day three: Highways go dry, states explore new spaces to spread 'joy'

While the Supreme court in its December 15, 2016 order ruled that licenses of existing liquor shops along national and state highways will not be renewed after March 31, states and organisations are finding ways to counter the ban.

The Supreme court in its December 15, 2016 order had ruled that licenses of existing liquor shops along national and state highways will not be renewed after March 31. (EPS|Udayshankar S) 

However, the ruling was challenged by several associations across states seeking modification of the judgment. (EPS|Manu R Mavelil)

A BEVCO outlet at Bakery junction in Thiruvananthapuram remains sealed and closed on Monday. (EPS|Manu R Mavelil)

As on the third day, Rajasthan PWD is mulling de-notification of state highways to shield from the Supreme Court's direction to ban sale of liquor at national and state highways. (EPS|Udayshankar S)

On 23 March, the Tamil Nadu government had also moved the top court to extend the time for relocation of retail liquor shops along the highways till the expiry of their license period up to 28 November, 2017. (EPS|Prakash Chellamuthu)

A bar located on NH 766 near Mysuru.(EPS|Udayshankar S)

Several states, including Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Haryana told the apex court that 500-metre distance is much higher and should be reduced. (EPS|Albin Mathew)

Owing to the Supreme Court ban, the liquor outlet at Vytilla has now been shifted to Ponnurunni, Jawahar Nagar. Even though it is noon, there is a rather large crowd present.(EPS|Albin Mathew)

Hearing a batch of petitions seeking modification of its December 2016 order banning liquor outlets within 500 metres of state and national highways across the country, the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Khehar said that in those areas where population was less than 20,000, the distance would be around 220 meters. (EPS|Albin Mathew)