GUWAHATI, Aug 10 � The Gauhati High Court today further clarified that bars, pubs located in clubs, restaurants, lounge bars, hotels etc. situated within a radius of 500 metres from religious and educational institutions, hospitals, dispensaries, nursing homes or other similar buildings or institutions mentioned in its August 9 order will have to be closed with immediate effect. This observation of the High Court came after hearing the writ petition of Arun Pathak, a wine shop owner, which involves issues of closure of wine shops and bars.
The High Court had ordered yesterday that all the wine shops and bars located within a radius of 500 metres from the above mentioned institutions should be closed.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan further directed that Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) shall take immediate steps to comply with the order and any violation of the order would be viewed seriously and may invite contempt proceedings.
The court also directed DC, Kamrup (Metro) to furnish list of such bars, wine shops, pubs, hotels etc along with the names of officials who were responsible for granting such licences within a period of 10 days.
Senior Additional Advocate General K N Choudhury who appeared for the State had submitted before the court that the State Government is revisiting the proviso of the Excise Rules in the present context.
The case is fixed for further hearing on August 24.
