6 days ago
Liquor shop named ‘Court Complex Vend' told to shift
Gurgaon: A liquor shop named "Court Complex Liquor Vend" in Sonipat was ordered to relocate by a court that termed the nomenclature "disparaging" to the institution of justice.
The vend, situated in front of the judicial court complex in Kharkhoda in Sonipat, drew severe criticism for its location and name.
The controversy began when a group of lawyers filed a suit alleging "public nuisance" caused by the liquor outlet. They complained about "unsocial elements" gathering at the court's main gate and intoxicated customers entering the premises as well, at times.
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The petition also highlighted the presence of handcarts selling specific unhygienic food items to liquor consumers.
"Drinking in a public place is an offence, and the judicial court complex has been made a permanent place for committing this offence by the excise and taxation department," said Kamal Sharma, the counsel representing the lawyers.
He added that littering of empty bottles and food waste had compromised the complex's cleanliness.
During the hearing, the excise department argued that it had issued the liquor vend a valid licence and officially named it "Court Complex Liquor Vend".
But additional civil judge (senior division) Vikrant noted that while the department could decide the vend's location, naming a liquor shop after a reputable institution or landmark could diminish the respect the society attached to such places.
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"The excise department must remember that naming a liquor shop after any reputable institution may harm the societal worth attached to such an institution," the judge observed.
In a strongly worded order, the court said, "Identifying the court complex with a liquor shop is not only undignified vis-à-vis the sanctity attached to the court, commonly called the 'Temple of Justice', but it severely impairs the honour attached to the institution of judiciary."
Further investigation revealed that the vend had not obtained necessary permission from local authorities — as required under the excise policy.
On July 18, the court ordered the shop to be sealed.
The vend owners later produced the required permissions and proposed relocating the shop to Old Sonipat Road.
After the excise department issued an NOC, the court allowed the shop to remove stocks and facilitate the relocation on Aug 2.
The vend has since been moved to its new location on Old Sonipat Road.
