An order has been issued to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK)-ruled Tamil Nadu Government by Madras High Court to not open any The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor shops for the next three months in the state.

The DMK and the Advocates Forum for Social Justice - legal wing of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) approached the Madras HC, seeking to halt any move by the AIADMK government to bypass the Supreme Court order. The order upholds a ban on liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways.

The Commissioner of Municipal Administration, on April 21 dated issued a circular, directing the officers to handover roads, belonging to various departments, including state highways, to the respective municipalities, says a report. According to the report, the order was issued purportedly with the intention to properly maintain such roads.

The DMK, however, claimed that this was a clear attempt on part of the state government to bypass the order of the top court, banning alcohol shops within 500 metres of national and state highways. Senior advocate P Wilson for DMK and advocate K Balu for the PMK forum sought urgent hearing on the issue, a request which was granted by the HC.

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