The Bombay High Court on Friday curtailed a ten‑day alcohol prohibition announced for the Ganesh festival, limiting the restriction to a pair of specific days after questioning why the measure singled out the city while neighboring areas remained unaffected.
Judges question the blanket order
A bench comprising Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna asked the administration why the ban applied only to the municipality, describing the move as a stigma on residents. “The rationale behind choosing only this district is unclear,” the judges remarked.
The court noted that a sweeping order preventing licence holders from operating for ten days could cause unnecessary hardship. The judges warned that habitual drinkers might flood hospitals if denied access, and that the state excise department could lose revenue.
The bench emphasized that any restriction must be narrowly tailored to address specific concerns rather than imposing a blanket prohibition. Past judgments have shown the court’s willingness to step in when policies appear disproportionate to the public interest.
Order revised to two days
Government pleader Kedar Dighe told the bench the revised restriction would apply until 4 p.m. on September 14, the day idols are installed, and again on September 25, the immersion day that is already a dry day. The court accepted the amendment and instructed the collector to issue a fresh order.
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An Excise Department official confirmed the earlier ban covered three police‑station jurisdictions—Khadak, Vishrambag and Faraskhana. Atul Kande, superintendent of the department, said the new directive will be enforced citywide on the two dates mentioned.
The municipal commissioner will coordinate with local police to set up monitoring stations at major retail outlets, ensuring compliance without disrupting normal commercial activity on intervening days.
Industry and political responses
Hotel and wine‑shop associations had challenged the original prohibition, arguing it harmed businesses. The court’s intervention was welcomed by those groups, who said a full‑week shutdown would have been disproportionate.
Vendors estimate that such a prolonged closure could have reduced sales dramatically, affecting livelihoods of many workers in the hospitality sector.
State‑level politicians also weighed in. A Maharashtra Congress leader suggested the ban reflected a rise in majoritarian politics over the past dozen years, cautioning that decisions should not favor only the majority community at the expense of minorities.
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The debate reflects broader tensions in the state over the balance between cultural traditions and regulatory oversight, a theme that has surfaced in recent legislative discussions.
Implementation and next steps
Local authorities are now preparing to enforce the limited ban. Police will monitor sales on the pair of dates, and licence holders have been instructed to resume normal operations on the intervening days.
Residents expressed relief that the restriction was shortened, noting that many families plan to host gatherings on the festival days.
The city prepares for the celebrations.
The revised order will be enforced on the two dates mentioned.
