NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand High Court has ordered the state government to close every bar and restaurant after midnight, no matter what.
The Jharkhand High Court announced this order on Wednesday while hearing based on suo motu cognizance the case where a youth was shot in a bar situated in the Main Road area of Ranchi the previous month.
During the hearing, the court stated that the number of bars and restaurants is escalating in Ranchi City.
There are several restaurants in Lalpur, Doranda, near Birsa Chowk, Tupudana, where people come and consume alcohol at night. Sometimes, liquor or alcohol is sold illegally or without a license in these restaurants. The government should take strict action against bars and restaurants that sell alcohol at night or sell without a license. Police should not just deceive people in the name of a campaign to stop drug abuse; they should also be aware of social responsibility and run a campaign for drug eradication. During the hearing, the Jharkhand government stated to the court that a team of policemen had been created to focus on the activities of bars and restaurants.
The data about the time of opening and shutting of bars and restaurants in Ranchi city will be provided to the court. The court stated that the government’s affidavit related to police action against opium, hashish, and marijuana should not deceive the high court.
Earlier in this case, the court concluded Ranchi DC, SSP, and Excise Commissioner and showed strong resentment. The court ordered the officials not to allow the opening of bars and restaurants near schools and religious places.