20 each for marriage and deaths, 500 in front of Bevco, HC harshly criticises govt over Covid norms violation outside liquor outlets

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed to take immediate action to avoid crowds in front of liquor outlets. The court said the government should respond by Tuesday, criticizing the crowd in front of bars when it comes to controlling people for marriage and death.

500 can throng outside liquor outlets when 20 attend a wedding and 20 for deaths. Is there no limit to it, criticised the court? The court asked government whether people thronging outside liquor outlets won’t spread the disease. BEVCO has the monopoly on liquor sales. BEVCO is responsible for providing necessary facilities. No social distance of any kind is maintained. The court asked what message the crowd is giving to the ordinary people.

There are two cases pending before the court in connection with the crowd in front of BEVCO. A suo moto case by Chief Justice and a contempt of court case considered years before by Justice Devan Ramachandran. The court raised harsh criticisms when BEVCO MD and excise commissioner appeared in person in the contempt of court case.

The court had issued an order four years ago saying the identity of those coming to buy liquor should be considered and that facility should be arranged in such a way which causes no inconvenience to other shops. A contempt of court plea was filed stating that the order has not been implemented so far. The court harshly criticised BEVCO while considering that plea taking into account Covid situation.

The court is focusing on the health of those coming before BEVCO and not the helplessness of Bevco. One third of Covid rate is in Kerala. What is happening in front of BEVCO, the court criticised.