High Court expresses displeasure over liquor shops near highways:Notice to Centre and State seeking reply in 2 weeks after petitioner cites Supreme Court order violation

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over liquor shops operating within 500 metres of national and state highways, in alleged violation of Supreme Court guidelines. The court has taken a strict stance on the issue of shutting down or relocating these shops that fall inside the prohibited zone.
During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL), the court issued notices to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the MP Excise Commissioner, and the Excise Secretary, directing them to file replies within two weeks. Bhopal-based social activist filed the PIL The PIL has been filed by Rashid Noor Khan, a social activist from Bhopal. The petitioner pointed out that despite the Supreme Court’s clear directions, liquor shops are openly functioning along national highways in Madhya Pradesh. He also submitted information indicating that people consume alcohol while standing outside these shops.
The petitioner submitted photographs and documents before the court, allegedly proving that liquor outlets are located dangerously close to the highways. Supreme Court guidelines deliberately ignored, says Petitioner Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Aryan Urmalia told the court that the Supreme Court had categorically instructed that no liquor shop should operate within 500 metres of national or state highways, nor should it be visible or directly accessible from the highway.
Despite this, the petitioner claimed, Madhya Pradesh’s 2025–26 excise policy has renewed several shops and allotted new ones near highways. The central government, too, had issued a circular on June 1, 2017, echoing the same restrictions.
The PIL further argued that liquor shops along highways lead to drunk driving among truck drivers and commuters, contributing to accidents and endangering lives. This, the petitioner stated, violates Article 21 and Article 47 of the Constitution. Court issues notice; next hearing in two weeks A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf conducted initial hearings on Wednesday. The court issued notices to all respondents and scheduled the next round of hearings for two weeks later.
The matter will be taken up again once the Centre, state authorities, and the excise department file their responses.