Pune administrator lifts 10-day ban on liquor during Ganesh festival after Bombay High Court condemns move | Today’s news
The Pune administration on Friday lifted its 10-day ban on liquor for the Ganesh festival after the Bombay High Court pulled up the authorities, questioning why Pune was singled out while Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra faced no such restrictions, according to PTI.
A bench comprising Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advaita Sethna said the administration should lift the ban or be prepared for judicial intervention. The court noted that imposing what it described as an arbitrary restriction only in Pune amounted to unfair singling out of the district and its residents.
“What is the rationale for picking only Pune? We condemn such a practice. This is a stigma on the people of Pune. What are you trying to portray that only people in Pune misbehave after drinking? One district you are picking in the entire state,” the court said.
The court was hearing petitions filed by hotel and wine shop owners challenging an order issued by the Pune collector banning the sale of liquor for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, which begins on September 14.
The court directed the lawyer representing the Pune collector to return later in the day to decide whether the order will be withdrawn. In the event that the withdrawal did not occur, the court said that it would issue an appropriate order.
It also noted that while it is the authorities’ responsibility to maintain law and order and prevent public nuisance, they cannot impose a blanket 10-day ban that would effectively prevent licensed establishments from conducting their business.
The Maharashtra Congress links the liquor ban in Pune to the rise of “majority politics” over the past 12 years
Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant on Friday said the 10-day liquor ban imposed in Pune during the Ganpati festival was a result of the gradual rise of “majority politics” over the past 12 years.
Sawant alleged that the BJP, which has been in power at the Center since 2014, was using the government machinery and putting pressure on the grassroots through Sangh Parivar-linked organizations and workers to foster an atmosphere of majoritarianism.
“Doing anything to gain power is dangerous not only for democracy, but also for the social unity of the country. The government should not only take into account the sentiments of the majority community when making decisions. It must ensure that such decisions do not adversely affect the freedom, way of life or rights of other citizens, especially minorities,” he said.
Sawant said the issue is not limited to political accountability and also includes constitutional duty.
He pointed to a recent incident at a school in Mira Bhayandar where students were allegedly asked not to carry lunch containing onions, garlic or root vegetables during the ‘Paryushan’ festival of the Jain community. He cited the incident as further indication of what he described as such a mindset.
“Everyone’s religious beliefs should be respected, but those beliefs should not be imposed on others,” he said.
