‘HC order hampers reopening of economy’

‘HC order hampers reopening of economy’

Online liquor sale needs logistics: T.N.

10/05/2020, KRISHNADAS RAJAGOPAL,NEW DELHI

The Tamil Nadu government, which on Saturday moved the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order to close liquor shops in the State, also filed a separate memo, requesting that the case be heard even on Sunday.

“The entire country and the State are facing a unique situation, wherein the economy is sought to be reopened in a phased manner, the directions issued are seriously impeding this process. Therefore it is prayed that this case may be listed at the earliest, even on Sunday, so as to mitigate the hardship caused to the citizens,” the State said.

Tamil Nadu, represented by advocate Yogesh Kanna and State Additional Advocate-General Balaji Srinivasan, said liquor retail was owned and operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC). The order for an open-ended ban was on the basis of petitions filed by parties interested in keeping the State-run shops closed, he said.

As for online liquor sales and home delivery, Tamil Nadu said the Supreme Court had clarified on May 8 that a decision would be left to the discretion of the States.

It said no other State, except Maharashtra where the COVID-19 cases were three to four times more than Tamil Nadu, sold liquor exclusively through online means. Online sales could at best supplement sales through physical outlets.

“E-payment and home delivery call for immense logistical coordination, supply chain management, which needs time and manpower, especially in the present situation,” the petition contended.