BAMBOLIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Monday said the govt is keeping ready material to file a review petition on the Apex Court order banning the sale of liquor along the State and National highways.
Speaking to the media, Parsekar said, “I have told the Excise Commissioner to find out how many people and their businesses along the highways will get affected and have asked the A-G to find a way and advice us on how the state can approach the court.”
He added, “Goa is not a part of the case. While passing the order the apex court should have studied the consequences of the order. The court should have at least taken all the stakeholders into consideration or should have approached the chief secretaries before pronouncing the order.”
Parsekar said that as the election code of conduct is in force, the decision will have to be taken by the new government which will be formed next month. He said that Goa being a tourist State most of highways run through a number of places and this can affect a large number of outlets and their businesses.
“Restaurants along highways have liquor licenses, so this order will also affect them, the court should have studied all this,” he added.
“The govt cannot violate the order but implement it until the order is not stayed. The SC has given time till April 1 and by then the new government will be formed and the decision will be taken, but I will keep all data ready for the new government,” the CM said.
