Activism run riot. The liquor ban by the Honourable Supreme Court is a what I can say as a layman and the highest regard for the august judges, a judgment without considering it's actual impact. And if I can say, not much in depth practical thinking. It's certainly profound, laudable and will absolutely please all activists. Plus the lobby of all hues which sincerely believes that India is going to the dogs everytime they see a bottle of beer or wine even. This will also certainly please all those who have a jaundiced eye and a holier than thou attitude towards liqour. But that is not the point at issue or concern.
The judgment ought to have been delivered with discretion and leeway to local governments to take into account local conditions and needs. In a vast country such as ours with varying cultures, trade compulsions such as tourism and maybe even consideration for investments made and in the offing, a major all encompassing order such as this ought to be implemented over a period of time.
In Chandigarh the judgment has led to chaos. Total chaos. Restaurants are affected badly. There are entrepreneurs who have invested huge financial sums into the trade. One can only say that their esteemed lordships
maybe briefed about the impact on employment, bank loans, trade and entrepreneurs. Thus while brownie points are rightly scored (and maybe judgements on some murder cases or constitutional issues maybe further delayed,with due apologies) such an important judgement ought to have been rather finely calibrated. And the High Court allowed to pass orders on local or location specific concerns.
Chandigarh is maybe a unique case. But I believe it is a similar situation in Goa. I know in Chandigarh an entrepreneur who may need to lay off 250 employees. There will be more such cases. The judgment should have stated that highways running through cities will be exempted. Or restaurants or hotels with a certain profile, irrespective of location, exempted atleast for a certain period of time . The orders should have been only applicable to pure liqour outlets located on highways outside city limits in the first stage. Just one viewpoint. Highways in our nation are the only nodes for trade and movement. But encroachments are galore with openings right onto highways. This also causes chaos. And traffic hazards. Maybe this also ought to be taken up and all such factories closed. Its just a logical extension. But that's digressing.
Lastly, is there not a.right to chill out once in a while, to relax, have some fun and.banter. The fine dining as also the restaurant trade is not all about the well to do or middle class enjoying life, it is also about some fun in a traditionally serious India. The economic and financial aspects I have already stated in the previous paragraph.
I only hope and pray that this is not viewed as disrespect by some friends for the esteemed judges or court but rather it is an attempt to highlight the need to grant a certain leeway to the trade too. There is always a need for balance and considering all aspects. This is imperative.
The judgment ought to have been delivered with discretion and leeway to local governments to take into account local conditions and needs. In a vast country such as ours with varying cultures, trade compulsions such as tourism and maybe even consideration for investments made and in the offing, a major all encompassing order such as this ought to be implemented over a period of time.
In Chandigarh the judgment has led to chaos. Total chaos. Restaurants are affected badly. There are entrepreneurs who have invested huge financial sums into the trade. One can only say that their esteemed lordships
maybe briefed about the impact on employment, bank loans, trade and entrepreneurs. Thus while brownie points are rightly scored (and maybe judgements on some murder cases or constitutional issues maybe further delayed,with due apologies) such an important judgement ought to have been rather finely calibrated. And the High Court allowed to pass orders on local or location specific concerns.
Chandigarh is maybe a unique case. But I believe it is a similar situation in Goa. I know in Chandigarh an entrepreneur who may need to lay off 250 employees. There will be more such cases. The judgment should have stated that highways running through cities will be exempted. Or restaurants or hotels with a certain profile, irrespective of location, exempted atleast for a certain period of time . The orders should have been only applicable to pure liqour outlets located on highways outside city limits in the first stage. Just one viewpoint. Highways in our nation are the only nodes for trade and movement. But encroachments are galore with openings right onto highways. This also causes chaos. And traffic hazards. Maybe this also ought to be taken up and all such factories closed. Its just a logical extension. But that's digressing.
Lastly, is there not a.right to chill out once in a while, to relax, have some fun and.banter. The fine dining as also the restaurant trade is not all about the well to do or middle class enjoying life, it is also about some fun in a traditionally serious India. The economic and financial aspects I have already stated in the previous paragraph.
I only hope and pray that this is not viewed as disrespect by some friends for the esteemed judges or court but rather it is an attempt to highlight the need to grant a certain leeway to the trade too. There is always a need for balance and considering all aspects. This is imperative.
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