CHENNAI: Liquor is an essential commodity for 30% of people in Tamil Nadu and so the government-run Tasmac shops vending liquor in retail could not be ordered to be closed during the funeral of former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday, the Madras high court said on Wednesday.

Creating ripples yet again with this oral observation, Justice C S Karnan of the court said like fire, police and milk supply services, liquor too was an essential commodity for 30% of people. “In five star hotels, liquor is served from 5am to 11pm. When people in five star hotels can drink, why not these people,” he asked.

The judge was making the observations when advocate K Baalu of the Advocates Forum for Social Justice mentioned the matter before the judge and wanted the court to order closure of all Tasmac shops in the state on Thursday when Kalam is scheduled to be laid to rest at Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district.

Referring to a state notification declaring a public holiday for all government as well as private establishments in Tamil Nadu under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act on Thursday, Baalu said the benefit of leave should be extended to the 28,000 Tasmac employees as well.

State’s counsel, however, informed the court that a government order had already been issued declaring a holiday for Tasmac shops in Ramanathapuram district for two days – July 29 and July 30 – in deference to the former President.

During arguments, the judge observed that he had great respect for Kalam, and that was the reason why he himself was leaving for Rameswaram immediately to take part in the funeral. However, courts could not direct the government to close the shops across the state without hearing the top officials of the department concerned, he said.

“We have to appreciate the policy of the government in declaring holiday, and closing liquor shops for two days in Ramanathapuram district. But the court cannot interfere with the government’s revenue,” Justice Karnan said.

READ ALSO: Students try to hold ‘liquor drinking protest’ demanding prohibition in TN, cops foil it

