Govt’s failure to comply with high court order results in closure of Tasmac shops

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:  09.05.2020

Flouting court orders might be a norm for the Tamil Nadu government, but this time, it has led to closure of its cash-cow — Tasmac — by the Madras high court.

Only on May 7, the government reopened liquor shops across the state after over 40 days. But within two days, the high court has ordered the state to shut the shops immediately till the lockdown is lifted in view of serious violation of conditions imposed by the court.

Though the court refused to stay reopening of the shops on May 6 based on the settled law that courts cannot interfere in policy decisions of the government, it has been now compelled to pass the closure order since the state failed to follow the conditions imposed, particularly the social distancing norms, lawyers who moved the court against the reopening said.

“The primary concern of the court was the failure to implement social distancing. Based on media reports and evidence produced by us the HC came to the conclusion that the state has failed to follow the conditions for permitting sale of liquor during the lockdown,” advocate G Rajesh, one among the petitioners, said.

According to S Prabhu, of Coimbatore, when he visited a Tasmac shop near Shanthi Gears in the city, he saw no conditions as reported in the media were followed. “They did not demand my Aadhaar or any identity proof. I was given a token. I got two full bottles of liquor. No rationing was followed,” he said.

However, G Mani, of Karur, said Aadhaar was demanded to get token. Rationing was followed as almost all shops were crowded but social distancing was thrown to the wind. “The salesman at the counter noted down my Aadhaar number but I was clueless how it would help them to stop me buying more liquor within the three-day period, he added.

Both admitted that bills were not provided for their purchase which was usual even during normal days.

Responding to queries from TOI, a Tasmac source said, “Aadhaar card numbers of customers were registered in a separate book on Thursday. This was meant to write card numbers on each receipt that was supposed to be submitted to the court as a proof of maintaining the cap of selling only one full (750ml) or four 180ml bottles to each individual.” However, many customers did not get receipts for their purchase, the source added.

Though the Tasmac stressed 50 circles and barricades before 200ft of every shop were there to maintain social distancing, queues snaked beyond 1km in several places with individuals standing in close quarters. Many were seen without masks.

When contacted, Tasmac officials refused to comment.

MOCKERY OF DISTANCING: A queue to buy liquor from a Tasmac outlet in Kadambattur, Tiruvallur district, on Thursday