Shivangi Prakash-
The Kerala High Court ordered the state to provide a detailed report on the failure to follow the Covid procedure outside of state-run Beverage Corporation (Bevco) liquor outlets in Kerala on Wednesday.
The court also ordered the Excise Commissioner to file a thorough declaration about the stores’ inability to follow the Covid Protocol standards.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly, while issuing the directions, cautioned the State saying, “As of today, the State of Kerala stands No.1 in Covid 19 cases. Government, on the one hand, is trying to reduce the number of Covid cases, by taking appropriate measures, vaccination, etc. Simultaneously, crowding at public places should not be allowed, more particularly, in liquor shops. Health is more important than revenue.”
After a High Court Judge addressed a letter to the Chief Justice regarding the issue of overcrowding outside Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) outlets in violation of COVID-19 protocol, the Bench issued these directions on a petition filed by advocate K Vijayan and a suo motu petition initiated by the Court.
During the second wave of the epidemic, the government issued regulations forbidding the sale of alcohol, and the Bevco outlets were only reopened by mid-June.
As a result, customers have been rushing to Bevco shops in massive numbers, overwhelming the stores and violating the COVID physical distancing guideline.
Several images of massive groups and individuals standing in lengthy lines outside liquor stores were included in a letter written by a judge of the Court.
The Court noted that social separation is clearly neither maintained nor enforced after viewing these photos.
Furthermore, these stores are situated along public roadways and near residential buildings, placing other people in danger.
He further noted that the photographs of crowding outside liquor stores only depict the scenario outside a few outlets, but assured the Court that the government would take necessary action to reduce instances of queue without causing a breach of the Covid protocol.
The Court also concluded that no action has been taken against the defaulters thus far.
As a result, the Court ordered the State and the Excise Commissioner to produce reports on the efforts they took to correct the situation.
The case will be heard again on July 13.
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