HC raps state govt on bar issue
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Kochi: The High Court Monday expressed dissatisfaction at the manner in which the state government failed to comply with its direction to grant licenses to 10 more bars in the state.
"This court is not happy with the manner of Respondents (state and excise commissioner) throughout', Justice A V Ramakrishna Pillai said in his interim order on a contempt petition filed by bar owners.
Earlier, the court had directed government to grant fresh licenses to 10 more bars in hotels. On December 19, the time was granted upto December 23.
When the government failed to comply with the court order, the bar owners moved a contempt petition.
When the matter came up today, Advocate General K P Dandapani informed the court that the government had filed an application before Supreme Court and sought time till Jan 31.
The Court said the government had informed it that it could not comply with its order as they had moved the Apex Court.
Considering the judicial propriety and pendency of the matter, the contempt case was adjourned to Jan 14. Court also dispensed the personal appearance of Secretary taxes and other excise officials.
