MNM rejoices legal victory against opening of TASMAC as the success of the people. Here's what happened!
The Madras HC yesterday ordered immediate closing of all TASMAC shops in the state. After 43 days of complete lockdown, curfew was relaxed from May 4th following which TASMAC shops were reopened on May 7, 2020.
The decision drew flak from all corners of the State including public and political parties who questioned the State government's motive behind opening the TASMACs at this pandemic situation and called it a 'dangerous' and 'callous' move. While several sections of the population are stuck in financial crunch and clueless of their employment, the decision to open TASMAC would worsen the situation and lead to domestic violence, the public largely opined.
At the time the TN government said that liquor cannot be sold online or door delivered but social distancing will be maintained at the outlets. Following this, the court allowed the opening of the shops on conditions that social distancing should be followed and only limited alcohol should be sold per person.
The court stated that if the conditions were not followed properly, the liquor stores would be ordered to close. Because of this, alcohol sales were limited per person and age-wise time constraints were announced.
Subsequently, the liquor shops were opened in Tamil Nadu on the 7th. The social distancing rules were flouted in many places as the liqour lovers have gathered in the early hours of the morning to buy liquor. The first-day collection of the TASMAC was Rs. 170 crore. Nearly Rs 300 crore has been collected in two days.
In this backdrop, some organizations and lawyers, including the Makkal Needhi Maiam, called for the court to reinstate liquor ban in Tamil Nadu in violation of the conditions laid down by the High Court. Senior advocate ARL Sundaresan represented on behalf of Makkal Needhi Maiam. The MNM administrators say his appearance shocked the ruling party.
MNM executive said, "A special case was filed yesterday on behalf of the MNM against the opening of the TASMAC. The case was taken before a special session of judges Vineet Kothari and Pushpa Satyanarayana for a video hearing yesterday afternoon."
Assistant Advocate General Arvind Pandey argued on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu and Senior advocate ARL Sundaresan argued on behalf of MNM.
In this case, MNM's senior lawyer ARL Sundaresan putforth critical evidence on non-compliance of directions proposed by the Court to the State government during opening of TASMACs on May 7. Notably, a critical representation was made on behalf of MNM Adv Sundaresan who highlighted the ill-effects of alcohol during COVID times and how it can attribute to affecting the immunity. He put forth credential sources from health organizations like WHO who have vouched to abstain from alcohol consumption during this pandemic situation. He argued that it was highly appalling to see the state government ignore such crucial information and decide to open TASMACs and endanger people's lives.
Agreeing strongly with these arguments, the panel of Judges ordered immediate closure of the TASMAC shops in Tamil Nadu until May 17. The order said that liquor should be sold only online.
MNM members have been elated with this order. Next to the party's inauguration, it is seen as the biggest victory for the party. One of the senior members of the party said, "Of course this is not a victory for the party alone it is a success for the people. They constantly accuse us of not getting on the field. We just do not come up with a black shirt and register the protest. We take action to express our conflict. Opposition parties have registered their opposition. But the government is not obliged to answer them"