Will Rajasthan's Highway Liquor Shops Remain Open?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has temporarily halted the closure of liquor shops along national and state highways in Rajasthan. This decision follows a controversial order from the Rajasthan High Court that sought their removal, emphasizing the balance between public safety and state revenue. What does this mean for local governance and safety standards?
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the closure of liquor shops in Rajasthan.
- There are approximately 1,102 liquor outlets affected by this ruling.
- The High Court's order was expected to cause a significant revenue loss.
- Public safety concerns were a major factor in the High Court's directive.
- The situation remains fluid, pending further Supreme Court orders.
Jaipur, Jan 19 (NationPress) Approximately 1,102 liquor outlets situated along national and state highways within municipal boundaries in Rajasthan will remain operational for the time being. This follows the Supreme Court's decision on Monday to grant an interim stay on the Rajasthan High Court’s ruling that mandated their removal and relocation.
A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued the interim order while reviewing special leave petitions (SLPs) brought forth by the state government alongside affected license holders.
Representing the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Advocate General Shivamangal Sharma argued that the Supreme Court had previously provided relief from the 500-metre restriction on liquor shops situated within municipal limits through a series of prior judgments.
They contended that the High Court lacked the authority to disregard or supersede the legal precedents established by the Supreme Court in its directives.
The principal bench of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur had, in its order dated November 24, 2025, instructed the state government to identify, remove, and relocate all liquor shops within a 500-metre radius of national and state highways, regardless of their location within municipal corporation areas, local self-governing bodies, or statutory development authorities.
The High Court emphasized that the expansion of municipal boundaries could not serve as a justification for relaxing the safety regulations stipulated by the Supreme Court.
Implementing the High Court’s order was projected to result in a significant revenue loss of approximately Rs 2,100 crore for the state treasury.
Nonetheless, the High Court maintained that public safety, as outlined in Article 21 of the Constitution, took precedence over financial implications, referencing road accident statistics to substantiate its directives.
With the Supreme Court's interim stay now in effect, liquor shops along highways within municipal limits will continue to operate until further notice.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the Supreme Court's decision reflects a nuanced approach to governance. The balance between public safety and economic impact is delicate, and this interim stay allows for a thorough examination of the legal precedents involved. It's crucial for authorities to uphold safety standards without compromising the state's financial stability.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Supreme Court's interim stay?
The Supreme Court's interim stay was granted in response to the Rajasthan High Court's order to remove and relocate liquor shops along highways, highlighting the legal complexities involved.
How many liquor shops are affected by this ruling?
Approximately 1,102 liquor shops situated on national and state highways within municipal limits are affected.
What was the revenue impact estimated by the High Court's order?
The implementation of the High Court’s order was expected to result in a revenue loss of nearly Rs 2,100 crore for the state.
What are the safety concerns mentioned in the High Court's directive?
The High Court emphasized that public safety, especially concerning road accidents, must take precedence over financial considerations.
What is the next step following the Supreme Court's decision?
The operation of liquor shops along highways within municipal limits will continue until further orders are issued by the Supreme Court.
