2014 (3) TMI 732 - ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT

Validity of notifications issued by District Collectors, inviting applications for grant of licences for the relocated A-4 excise shops - whether arbitrary, illegal and contrary to the A.P. Excise (Grant of licence of selling by shops and conditions of licence) Rules, 2012 - Jurisdiction of the High Court - Held that:- Whether or not the undisposed A-4 shop should be relocated are matters of legislative or executive policy and this Court would not sit in judgment over the policy decisions of the State. The Excise Policy for the year 2014, while permitting the Commissioner to relocate undisposed shops, requires an intensive campaign to be undertaken to educate the public about the evil effects of drinking and for steps to be taken to initiate establishment of de-addiction centres in each district.

The manner in which the revenue needs of the State should be balanced with the need to educate the public of the evil effects of drinking are also not for this Court to adjudicate in proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. This contention urged by the petitioners, who are carrying on trade in the sale of IMFL and FL in retail shops, is akin to the devil quoting the scriptures, and does not merit acceptance. - Writ petition dismissed.