Bombay HC seeks state & BMC replies on plea to allow all liquor shops to deliver online

Bombay High Court has directed ruling state government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to respond to a petition filed by a south Mumbai shop owner seeking permission for online sale of alcohol through home delivery to all such shops, including those situated inside malls.

Matter posted for furr hearing on June 5

A division bench of Justices S J Kathawalla and S P Tavade Tuesday heard a plea by Ojus Marketing Manment Pvt Ltd, which owns a shop ‘World of wines’ inside a mall at Nariman Point. plea seeks permission for sale of liquor as a standalone retail shop and issuance of clarification that all liquor shops be allowed to commence home delivery. petitioner asserted that ir shop, though situated inside mall, had separate access, but was refused permission for home delivery by concerned officials.

After hearing submissions, bench directed authorities to file a reply and posted furr hearing on June 5.

HC refuses to quash an order

On May 30, High Court had refused to quash BMC order prohibiting over--counter sale of liquor in city, stating that it was civic body's policy decision to do so amid COVID-19 pandemic. court on Friday refused to quash a tification issued by civic body on May 22, prohibiting over--counter sale of liquor and permitting use of e-commerce platforms for home delivery of alcohol.

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A division bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and N R Borkar was hearing a petition filed by Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association seeking a direction to state government to permit sale of liquor at wine shops in Mumbai, which is a COVID-19 red zone.

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petition contended that in cities like Pune and Nashik, where COVID-19 situation was similar to Mumbai, regular counter sale of retail liquor was being permitted. association's advocate Charanjeet Chanderpal argued that system of online orders and home delivery of liquor was fraught with difficulties and could have an adverse social impact and was also t safe.

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bench, however, said it would be appropriate for petition to be placed before city Municipal Commissioner as a representation. Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had allowed online sale of liquor through home delivery in Mumbai from May 23. service was to be allowed from 10 am to 6 pm.

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(With PTI inputs)