The High Court today directed the state government to submit a list of all liquor shops situated along national highways in the state.
The High Court asked the government to submit this list by or before October 27, when the matter would again come up for hearing.
The directions were issued by a division Bench headed by Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a socio-religious organisation, Karwani Islami, seeking complete prohibition on sale and consumption of liquor in the state.
The High Court made the Jammu-based liquor association a party in the PIL, which had submitted an application. On an earlier hearing, the government had told the High Court that it was difficult to go in for a blanket ban on the sale of liquor in the state.
It was argued in the PIL that the sale and consumption of liquor in J&K had not only affected the health of residents, but was responsible for various social problems such as domestic violence and accidents due to drunk driving as well.
The sale and consumption of liquor is not prohibited in Jammu and Kashmir. In Srinagar, liquor shops are located at various spots on Boulevard, a popular tourist destination.
