Implement liquor ban, Highway ministry tells states

NEW DELHI: Amid speculations of whether the central government would approach the Supreme Court for review or relaxation of the liquor ban along 500 metres of all national and state highways, the Union highways ministry issued an advisory to all states to implement the SC order.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the ministry has elaborated the directions of the apex court, which include prohibition of sale of liquor along highways which also fall within a “municipal corporation, city, town or local authority”.

Quoting the SC order, the circular mentions, “The chief secretaries and director generals of police shall, within one month, chalk out a plan for enforcement in consultation with the state revenue and home departments.


Responsibility will be assigned inter alia to district collectors and superintendents of police and other competent authorities. Compliance shall be strictly monitored by calling for fortnightly reports on action taken.”