SC stays HC order quashing Bihar govt notification on prohibition

Speed Post News Network

Patna: A division bench of the Supreme Court consisting of Justice Deepak Mishra and Justice U U Lalit on Friday stayed the operation of  September 30 order of Patna High Court quashing the Bihar government  notification of April 5, 2016, declaring total prohibition in the state.
The state government had challenged the Patna High Court order in the Supreme Court. Its lawyer prayed if the order was not stayed, 18,000 people arrested and behind bars for violation of liquor ban would have to be released  immediately.
The Supreme Court issued notices to all respondents including some liquor manufacturers asking them to reply in ten weeks after  which hearing would take place. Patna High Court had declared the state excise and prohibition department notification as unconstitutional.