The Bombay High Court questions Pune’s administration over a 10-day alcohol ban during the Ganesh festival and orders the restriction to be scaled back. The court hears petitions filed by hotel owners and wine shop associations challenging the Pune Collector’s order prohibiting sale and consumption of alcohol for the full festival period.
During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna asks why prohibition is imposed only in Pune when other regions, including Mumbai, were not similarly restricted. The court says the blanket ban lacks a clear rationale, noting that authorities may address law-and-order and nuisance concerns but cannot automatically bar licensed businesses for 10 days. The bench also argues it cannot be assumed that every alcohol consumer would create problems, and it cites potential health and revenue impacts of a prolonged prohibition.
After hearing the administration’s response, the court accepts a revised arrangement limiting the ban to only until 4 pm on September 14 (the first festival day) and throughout September 25 (the last day, which is already a dry day). Outlets differ mainly in emphasis—some foreground the court’s remarks about “singling out Pune,” while others focus on the petitioners’ challenge and the practical reduction of the ban to two days.
