Odisha HC Rejects PILs Over Liquor Shops Near Religious, Public Institutions

The Orissa High Court has dismissed two Public Interest Litigations challenging liquor shops in Puri and Chikiti, Ganjam district, over their alleged proximity to temples, schools and other public institutions.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Mruganka Sekhar Sahoo ruled that objections filed after the prescribed statutory deadline could not be considered. The separate orders were passed on October 15 and uploaded on October 18.

The petitioners had sought cancellation of the shops’ licences, claiming violations of the Odisha Excise Act, 2008, and related rules. However, the court referred to Rules 31 and 32 of the Odisha Excise Rules, 2017, which require authorities to publish notices in Odia and English, allow 15 days for public objections, and announce proposed liquor outlets locally through drum-beating or public address systems.

The bench emphasised that these procedures are intended to inform residents in advance and provide them an opportunity to raise objections before licences are granted.