The Karnataka HC dismissed the Public Interest Litigation seeking permission for opening of wine shops during the lockdown stating that there is no public interest in allowing the petition. The petition claimed that alcohol deprivation amounted to a violation of the rights of social drinkers under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The petition was filed by Late G B Kulkarni Memorial Legal Trust, through its President Dr Vinod G Kulkarni.
A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice B V Nagarathna heard the matter via video conferencing. The bench stated that while people are deprived of basic necessities during the 21-day lockdown, the opening of wine shops serves no public interest.
Upon the dismissal of the petition by the Karnataka HC, Dr. Kulkarni withdrew his petition and offered to donate an amount of Rs. 10,000 to the PM-CARES Funds. The HC has directed Dr. Kulkarni to donate the amount within 2 weeks and submit a receipt to the Registrar Judicial of the Karnataka HC.
