CUTTACK: The Orissa high court has declined to interfere in the state govt’s policy decision not to grant new licence to open IMFL ‘on shop’ in rural areas and restrict grant of licence in urban areas to only star hotels and those having a minimum number of rooms, to be decided by the excise department.
The two-judge bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice M S Raman said there is limited scope of interference with the policy decision as it has been taken considering larger public interest to ensure better regulation and to curb the growth of ‘on shops’ in the entire state.
The govt had taken the decision in the Excise Policy 2023-24 which came into force on April 1, 2023. The excise department, citing the new norms, had on May 29 last year rejected pending applications related to the 2022-23 fiscal. As many as 35 petitions had been submitted in court challenging the rejection order.
On the question of refund of Rs 1,10,000 in application fee, the state counsel said there is no provision envisaged for refund of application fee in the event the same is rejected. However, the state counsel conceded that if direction is granted to the govt, such refund would be considered.
Accordingly, the bench left it to the petitioners to approach the principal secretary, excise department, and claim refund of application fee within 15 days. The bench said if the approach is made, then the principal secretary shall consider the refund plea and take a decision at the earliest, preferably within three months.
We also published the following articles recently
Excise policy case: Delhi HC to hear Arvind Kejriwal's plea against arrest tomorrow
Delhi high court, led by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, to hear Arvind Kejriwal's plea against ED arrest. Kejriwal, INDIA bloc partner, urgently sought hearing, citing BJP criticism, opposition leader role, alleged ED weaponization, corruption, money laundering, excise policy formulation, chargesheets, kickbacks, accused, undue benefits, AAP.
BJP slams Punjab excise policy, seeks probe by central agencies
BJP calls for CBI probe into Sangrur hooch tragedy and Punjab's excise policy, while AAP defends revenue increase. Tarun Chugh pushes for investigation. Punjab BJP seeks ED probe like Delhi.
'No scope for judicial interference': Delhi HC junks PIL for removal of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi HC rejected PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal as CM after ED arrest in excise policy case, citing the issue beyond judicial intervention. Kejriwal remanded to ED custody until March 28 for conspiracy allegations.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.
Start a Conversation
Post comment