The High Court of Kerala on [10th of August 2021] admonished State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) after identifying a liquor store in a pathetic condition in the state.

In the bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran after looking at the display sharing a live photo of the liquor shop, the bench observed

“…… a liquor store that looked like it belonged in an old Bollywood movie—it was dark, dirty, and barred… and it’s so dark that you can’t see what’s going on inside. “

The Bench found this at the same time as listening to a contempt issue regarding the non-implementation of the court’s order to provide a dignified manner to residents to purchase liquor from BEVCO stores.

The state had earlier posted in the courtroom that out of the 306 stores located in the state, out of which ninety-six were located to lack simple facilities. The Bench while listening to the matter inquired as to whether the liquor outlets that he saw were included among those ninety-six stores, considering that its condition was found to be disgraceful.

“ If it was one of the 96 stores, it should have been closed. But it had been open yesterday, so I’m assuming it’s not” the bench said. Also, the council of respondent Adv. Naveen has been asked to verify the facts for the same. This issue will further proceed in court and the next hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.

Other than this, the Bench referred to the latest government Order dated 4th August 2021, according to Clause IV of the order, individuals are only allowed to enter institutions if they are vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine or have a negative report of Covid-19 test. Also, the bench questioned the government and asked to explain why this clause has no longer been made applicable to liquor shops while emphasizing that as per the courtroom’s opinion, it is going to be binding on liquor shops as well.

“I want answers on this by tomorrow. I want specific answers to both these questions,” the Court points out.