The counting of Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai is scheduled for June 4. The Association of Owners of Hotels, Restaurants, Permit Rooms, and Bars (Aahar) has challenged the decision of the Mumbai City and Suburban District Collectors to ban liquor sales throughout the day on the same day. The organization's petition is expected to be reviewed by the High Court on Wednesday.
The association argues that the ban on liquor sales for the entire day is unjustified, particularly since the election results will only be announced by noon after the votes are counted. They have requested the District Collector to reconsider the ban and permit liquor sales post the election results announcement. Additionally, they have urged the issuance of a revised order to this effect.
Justices Arif Doctor and Somasekhar Sundaresan directed the association's lawyers to file the petition on Wednesday. Despite the organization's prior appeal to the district collector in late April to reassess the ban, they were informed that the Election Commission's directive prohibits liquor sales 48 hours before polling until the completion of polling and on the day of vote counting.
The organization argues that its members pay significant license fees to the state government, while illegal liquor manufacturers in Mumbai continue to profit from selling liquor unlawfully. Consequently, the organization insists on a review of the Collector's order to allow liquor sales following the election results announcement.