Highway liquor ban: SC says not averse to modifying order, seeks suggestions

“...We are giving ourselves some time. We need to take a conscious decision. We want to ponder if we should do it and how to go about it, etc” the bench said.

Noting that it was not averse to modifying its order of December 15, 2016 that bans liquor vends within 500 metres of state and national highways, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked for suggestions on how to balance conflicting rights involved in the matter.

A view of the Indian Supreme Court building is seen in New Delhi December 7, 2010. India's Supreme Court on Monday questioned the appointment of the country's top anti-corruption official, local media and a lawyer said, in a victory for the opposition and another blow for an embattled government that has become mired in corruption charges. REUTERS/B Mathur (INDIA - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS BUSINESS) - RTXVHUR (REUTERS)

“We are not going to be an impediment in your (states’) revenue…But suggest us some measures,” a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and several senior advocates representing various states that have moved the top court for modification in the order. Some applications have been filed for a clarification on whether the order was applicable to restaurants and hotels along the highways serving liquor.

“We will not shut you out. We will hear you tomorrow also. We are giving ourselves some time. We need to take a conscious decision. We want to ponder if we should do it and how to go about it, etc” the bench, also comprising Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice L Nageshwar Rao told the counsel after the end of a two-hour hearing. The court will hear the case on Thursday.

The bench also expressed concern over a large number of accident deaths on Indian roads