The Supreme Court of India has ordered to stop the issuance of permits for the sale of liquor along the national and state highways and 500 metres from the outer edge of the highways. The order also talks about areas under the jurisdiction of local bodies with a population of 20000 people or less, where the distance will be 220 metres.
With regards to the court’s orders, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has appealed to all state governments and UTs to take necessary actions for the implementation of the order. As per section 185 of the MV Act, 1988 provides for punishment of imprisonment or fine or both for the offence of drunken driving cases. The ministry also undertakes advertising campaigns through print and electronic media to spread awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.
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Primarily MoRTH deals with infrastructure development of national highways and providing access to properties situated along the national highways. The ministry has no control over the use of and businesses run in these properties located beyond the Right of Way of national highways.
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In 2016, the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on liquor sales, issuance of new liquor licenses would also be closed, advertisements for liquor shops would not be allowed along the national and state highways. The order did not apply to existing liquor shops that could operate till the end period of their licenses.