JK High Court Lets Gandhi Nagar Liquor Vend Operate Despite Resident Objections
· India · Indian Express, Zee News
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has allowed a liquor vend in Jammu's Gandhi Nagar to continue operating, rejecting residents' objections as selective. Justice Sanjay Parihar ruled on August 20 that the Excise Department's approach showed inconsistency, noting several other liquor outlets operated nearby without similar resistance. The court permitted the successful e-auction bidder to avail benefits under the Excise Policy 2026-2027, ordering fair and non-discriminatory treatment. Residents had argued the vend, operating from the same premises during 2024-25 and 2025-26, caused nuisance with intoxicated persons and rising criminal activity, making it hard for women to move freely in evenings. The landlord, earlier licensee, and successful bidder challenged the eviction order in court.
Why it matters
The ruling validates the auction-based liquor licensing process and sets a precedent for how resident objections are weighed against established excise policies in Jammu and Kashmir. It affects local residents' ability to challenge liquor vends on grounds of women's safety and neighborhood nuisance.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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