HC stays opening of liquor vend on Gurudwara plea, issues notice to Delhi govt

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the opening of a liquor vend following a plea from a Gurudwara. Notice has been issued to the Government of Delhi and the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. The liquor vend was granted an L-6 Liquor License for a retail vend situated at the entrance of the only lane leading to the petitioner Gurudwara, also near Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya.

The petitioner Gurudwara alleged that the approval for the liquor vend was obtained in violation of various regulations, including the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, Rule 51 of Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, and the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD), 2021.

A Division Bench led by Justice Manmohan, along with Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, issued notice to all respondents and stayed the opening of the liquor vend. The court scheduled a detailed hearing for May 9, 2024.

The lawyers representing the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) requested time to verify facts and inspect the premises again. The respondents are required to file detailed counter affidavits within three weeks, with any rejoinder affidavit to be submitted before the next hearing date.

The petitioner, Gurudwara Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Mahavir Nagar, argued that the proposed liquor vend’s location at the entrance of the lane used by devotees and residents violates their daily commute. The Gurudwara had previously raised concerns through complaints and a letter from MLA Jarnail Singh to the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, GNCTD.

Represented by Shivek Rai Kapoor, Ujwal Ghai, Arpit Sharma, Sanchit Saini, and Anant Sharma, the petitioner Gurudwara highlighted the illegal construction and encroachment upon public land at the proposed liquor vend. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued a notice to the liquor vendor regarding these issues on March 18, 2024.

Furthermore, the Gurudwara, along with Singh Sabha and Residents Welfare Association (RWA), notified the principal of Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya about the potential risks associated with the liquor vend’s proximity. The principal subsequently wrote to GNCTD, expressing serious safety concerns for the school’s 1500 girls.