Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday took strong exception to the state government’s failure in filing affidavit as per the court order in the case of stopping the liquor trade in the city.
The high court said the state is yet to file an affidavit pursuant to the order on
June 22 passed by the court. If the affidavit is not filed on or before November 1, cost of Rs 10,000 will be paid by the state to the High Court Advocates Welfare Fund and proof of the payment of such costs placed on record.
The court further ordered that if the affidavit is not filed before next date, the Principal Secretary to Government of Odisha, Excise Department shall remain present in virtual mode on the next date.
The high court set next date of hearing on November 16.
A PIL was filed in 2013 seeking a ban on liquor in the city as illicit liquor has claimed human lives several times.
