Bombay HC declines to relax liquor ban during BMC polls

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant interim relief against the liquor ban imposed from January 14 to 16 in view of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Municipal polls are scheduled for January 15, with voting to take place on January 16. As per election regulations, the sale of liquor will remain prohibited during this period, including on festival dates falling within the ban window.

A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri reportedly declined to stay the restriction while hearing a petition filed by the Association of Progressive Retail Liquor Vendors.

The association has challenged the application of provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to municipal elections.

The bench observed that the legal challenge would require detailed examination and accordingly issued notice to the Maharashtra government, refusing to grant interim relief at this stage.

The liquor ban will remain in force until the declaration of election results on January 16.

Appearing for the petitioner association, advocates Suresh Sabrad and Amey Sawant reportedly argued that an extended prohibition of nearly two-and-a-half days would lead to significant financial losses for licensed vendors. They contended that the ban is unwarranted, especially on January 14, when neither campaigning nor polling is scheduled.