Madras High Court Upholds Tamil Nadu Government’s Closure of 717 Liquor Shops, Dismissing Legal Challenge.

The Madras High Court upheld the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to close 717 TASMAC retail liquor shops located within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stops. Justice G.R. Swaminathan ruled that the closure aligns with the state’s constitutional obligation to pursue complete prohibition, dismissing a writ petition from two landlords who had leased properties for these shops. The court emphasized that landlords cannot question government policy decisions through writ petitions.

The plaintiffs, P. Saravanan and C. Mathiarasan, contended that the government’s announcement lacked an official order and deviated from existing statutory regulations, which permit a liquor shop’s establishment within 50 metres of educational institutions and worship places in municipal areas. They argued that the government’s extended distance criterion of 500 metres was arbitrary and cited previous rulings where the court had upheld the legality of existing shops.

Despite their concerns, the court affirmed that the landlords’ deposits would be refunded as stated by the Additional Advocate General. Previous legal challenges to liquor shops within stipulated distances had been denied, but the current administration’s proactive stance on prohibition marked a significant shift in policy. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing public health and safety amid ongoing debates about alcohol regulation in the state.