In a landmark judgment prioritizing human life over state revenue, the Rajasthan High Court has delivered a stern directive to the state government, ordering the removal of 1,102 liquor outlets located within 500 meters of national and state highways. The court has set a strict two-month deadline for compliance.
Court Slams Government for Liquor-Friendly Corridors
The division bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sanjeet Purohit expressed severe criticism of the Rajasthan government's approach to highway safety. The judges noted with extreme concern how the state had diluted Supreme Court directives and misused discretionary powers, effectively transforming highways into liquor-friendly corridors.
The court specifically mentioned that the constitutional objective of safeguarding public life and safety cannot be subordinated to revenue considerations. This strong statement came in response to the government's argument that these liquor vends generate substantial revenue amounting to Rs 2,221.78 crore.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Strict Action
The court's decision was heavily influenced by disturbing data showing a sharp increase in drunk driving incidents across Rajasthan. Official records revealed that drunk driving cases surged by nearly 8% in 2025, with numbers climbing from 40,715 cases in 2024 to 43,788 cases by September 2025 alone.
This alarming increase of approximately 7.55% was described by the court as more than just a statistical anomaly, emphasizing that it reflects severe and recurring consequences on public safety and human life.
Comprehensive Ban on Liquor Visibility
Beyond just removing the physical shops, the High Court issued comprehensive instructions to ensure complete removal of any liquor-related visibility from highways. The state government must ensure that no hoardings, signages or advertisements relating to liquor availability are visible from national or state highways, even after relocating shops beyond the mandatory 500-meter distance.
The order clearly states: Any liquor shop situated within the restricted limit of 500 metres from a National or State Highway shall not remain operational. The directive applies universally, covering shops in municipal areas, local self-governing bodies, and statutory development authorities.
The case originated from a 2023 public interest litigation filed by Churu residents Kanhaiya Lal Soni and Manoj Nai, who challenged the liquor shops for violating the Excise Act and its rules. The court's firm stance reinforces the Supreme Court's earlier restrictions on liquor shop locations along highways, originally intended for road safety and public protection.
