The Andhra Pradesh (A.P.,) High Court, on the 11th of May, reviewed a petition filed against the sale of liquor in the State amid the Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
Mathrubhoomi Seva Foundation filed the petition and said the approval of liquor sale would increase the chances of the Novel Coronavirus infection in the State.
B.S.N.V. Prasad Babu was representing the petitioner argued and said the State Government failed to take measures ensuring the prevention of the spread. In addition, the liquor sale would increase the spread of the COVID-19 infection in the State.
On the other hand, a lawyer representing the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) said the Government was committed to a complete alcohol ban, as it is an agenda of the Party.
The YSRCP Government said they would make Andhra Pradesh an alcohol free state and would ban the sale of liquor in a phased manner. In reagard to this, the State Government increased the alcohol price by 75 % and also reduced the number of shops by 13 % recently.
After reviewing both the agruments through a video conference, the Andhra Pradesh High Court asked the YSRCP Government to filed a counter reply by the 13th of May.
Whereas, the HC also asked the petitioner to file reply counter complaint against the State Government’s filed counter and adjourned the hearing to the 15th of May.
Stay tuned for further updates.
