Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the State government to clarify its stand on the issues raised in petitions filed by owners of liquor joints whose licences excise authorities refuse to renew. The authorities are acting on the Supreme Court’s direction to close liquor vending shops situated within 500 metres of National Highways (NHs).
Justice Vineet Kothari issued the direction while hearing petitions filed M/s Siddi Enterprises, which runs Fusion Lounge Bar and Restaurant on Brigade Road, and 20 other liquor joints on M.G. Road, Church Street, in Richmond Town, Koramangala, on St. Marks Road, Indiranagar and some other localities.
The petitioners claimed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in April this year had communicated to the State that the NH limits begin from Hebbal on Ballari Road and from Silk Board junction on Hosur Road. Roads passing through the city centre were not under the control of NHAI following construction of a bypass connecting the different NHs on the outskirts.
They sought a direction from the court for immediate renewal of their liquor licences. They have also sought a direction to the State to declare 77.64 km of roads, earlier classified as NHs, as urban/local authority roads.
The court adjourned further hearing on the petitions till July 20.
