SC Suggests States To Consider Indirect Sale Or Online Delivery Of Liquor During Lockdown

The Supreme Court on Friday (8 May) suggested that states should consider the indirect sale or home delivery of liquor to avoid crowding at the liquor shops amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, reports Times of India.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhusan and comprising Justices S K Kaul and B R Gavai made this observation while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the opening of liquor shops by various state governments.

The top court refused to pass any orders on the petition. However, it suggested the states to consider indirect sale or home delivery of liquor.

"We will not pass any order but the states should consider indirect sale/home delivery of liquor to maintain social distancing norms and standards," Justice Ashok Bhushan said while disposing of the petition.

The PIL, filed by Advocate Sai Deepak, sought directions for closure of liquor shops for failing to enforce the social distancing, which is necessary for preventing the spread of Coronavirus.

The petitioner submitted that the life of the common man “must not get affected” by the opening of liquor shops.