Thiruvananthapuram: Considering that consumption of liquor is not a fundamental right, the Bevco outlets should not be opened in populated areas ignoring protests by women and children, stated the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC).
The ruling came based on the complaints filed against the relocation of Bevco outlet at Mangala-puram to populated areas of Murukkumpuzha.
The homemakers in the area assembled under the aegis of Sthree Janakeeya Samiti which approached commission.
“Taking Section 47 of Indian Constitution into consensus, states should volunteer to ban liquor and drugs to give health body and mind to the citizens,” the commission said.
Bevco managing director and Mangalpuram panchayat secretary have been directed to file an explanation on the relocation in 30 days.
The protesters here have been going on agitation since the 25 days. Last week, the police had to resort to lathicharge as they tried to disrupt arrival of new stock of liquor at the outlet.
“Around nine families reside near the premises where Bevco outlet is functioning. Apart from this there are government offices and anganwadis in the vicinity. We expect district administration to intervene urgently and shut down the Bevco outlet,” a protestor told Deccan Chronicle.
