KOCHI: State government should conduct an audit of the facilities at each of the liquor retail outlets in the state, the Kerala High Court said on Friday.
The directive was issued by justice Devan Ramachandran after the government, excise commissioner, and Bevco informed the court that steps are being taken to decrease crowding in front of liquor retail outlets in the state.
In the interim order, the court said it certainly is a welcome step but the battle has only begun. The excise commissioner and Bevco will certainly have to ensure that every retail counter is accounted for and steps should be taken to protect the collective dignity of the society and the dignity of the customers as is required under the constitutional mandate.
The court’s order of Friday said, “Even though some steps appears to have been now taken, albeit, after four years since the judgment of this Court, I am certain that a lasting solution can be obtained only if the Excise Commissioner and the Managing Director, BEVCO launch a comprehensive audit of the facilities and suitability of each retail liquor outlet in Kerala.”
Directing the authorities to inform the steps being taken in the matter, the court has scheduled further hearing in the case on July 30th.
