Residents’ objections ‘selective’: Jammu and Kashmir High Court lets liquor vend operate

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has overturned a ruling that sought to halt a liquor vend in Jammu's Gandhi Nagar. Residents had complained about the vend due to concerns over intoxicated patrons and rising criminality, which they argued made it unsafe for women to walk in the evenings. Justice Sanjay Parihar noted the Excise Department's treatment appeared inconsistent, pointing out that several other liquor outlets were present in the vicinity.

The court observed that residents' objections seemed selective, as they did not raise similar concerns about other nearby establishments. The bidder, who won the auction, was entitled to fair and non-discriminatory treatment, the court ruled. The High Court dismissed the Excise Department's request for a fresh NOC, as the previous vend had been operating at the same location during the prior financial years.