KOCHI: The high court on Thursday said citizens who visit state-run Bevco retail outlets to buy liquor should not be treated like cattle. The observation by Justice Devan Ramachandran came while considering the case over lack of adequate infrastructural facilities in liquor retail outlets of Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco).
During hearing, the court also made it clear that it would summon the excise commissioner if it receives one more complaint from the public regarding inadequate infrastructure and facilities.
Further, the court said it is not worried about the government selling liquor or the people drinking but about the collective dignity of the citizenry. “People who buy liquor should not be treated like cattle and the people who walk past these outlets cannot be subjected to ridicule or embarrassment of any kind,” the court said.
The court pointed out that it has received around 50 letters, mostly from women, stating that they are afraid to step out of their homes as they would have to walk past the vicinity of a liquor outlet. The court will hear the case again on October 18.
