The Madras High Court (MHC), while hearing a petition seeking a stay on new year celebrations in Puducherry, ordered the Puducherry government to stop the sale of liquor for three hours on New Year’s Eve: from 10 pm on December 31 to 1 am on January 1, 2022. The court, however, permitted the Union Territory to go ahead with the celebrations.
The Puducherry government counsel in the case informed the court that the UT had already implemented several restrictions based on instructions from the State Health Secretary and that people would not be allowed to move after 12:30am.
The counsel informed the court that the economic condition in Puducherry coupled with the low Covid-19 numbers in the city were the reason for the government to allow celebrations.
The MHC observed that the lives of people are equally as important as the economic situation. The bench even pointed out the restrictions that have been put in place in Chennai.
The court had earlier questioned the Pudhucherry government on why they couldn’t give up the celebration for two days due to the Covid situation. The MHC further asked the Puducherry government if it could at least stop liquor sales on December 31.
The Pudhucherry government has ordered that only 50 percent capacity will be allowed for private shows and celebrations. People should take both the doses of the Covid-19 vaccine if they want to be part of the new year celebration. Also, all Covid protocol including wearing masks, social distancing, etc. should be followed during the celebrations.
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Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/stop-sale-of-liquor-from-10-pm-on-new-year-s-eve-madras-hc-to-puducherry-govt-1893803-2021-12-29
