Shivakant Pandey vs State Of Jharkhand And Others

This writ petition (PIL) was filed to challenge the rules framed by the Department of Excise and Prohibition.

Mr. Sanjiv Sahay, the learned counsel appearing for the Jharkhand State Beverage Corporation Limited submits that now a new rule has come in force and, therefore, one of the prayers made by the writ petitioner has been rendered infructuous.

This Court in the order dated 8th November 2019 indicated that the social impact of consumption of liquor on children and youth of the State of Jharkhand is a serious concern. This Court further observed that the statutory provisions prohibiting sale of liquor to the persons below the age of 21 years were not strictly followed and there were certain issues which were required to be addressed.

Later, the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare submitted a report through affidavit dated 01st May 2023 whereunder certain measures were suggested to check the menace of liquor consumption amongst youth of the State of Jharkhand. Mr. Sanjiv Sahay, the learned counsel appearing for the Jharkhand State Beverage Corporation Limited has indicated that in Jharkhand Excise (Operation of Retail Product Shops through Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited) Rules, 2022 there is a complete regime for enforcement of the prohibition and that is being vigorously followed. In course of hearing, it is suggested at the Bar that a viable solution can be that the outlet vendors keep scanned copies of the Aadhar card etc. of the young buyers.

Having regard to the aforesaid submissions and suggestions made at the Bar, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, the learned counsel for the petitioner submits that now this writ petition (PIL) has rendered infructuous.

Disposed of, as such.