‘Why single out Pune?’: Bombay high court questions 10-day liquor ban during Ganeshotsav

PUNE: The liquor ban ordered by authorities in Pune district during the 10-day Ganpati festival is a result of the gradual increase in “majoritarian politics” over the last 12 years, Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant said on Friday.The BJP, which has been in power at the Centre since 2014, has used government machinery and exerted pressure at the ground level through organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar and its workers to create an environment of majoritarianism in society, he added.“Doing anything to gain power is dangerous not only for democracy but also for the social unity of the country. A government, while taking a decision, should not consider only the sentiments of the majority community. It must ensure such a decision does not adversely affect the freedom, way of life or rights of other citizens, particularly minorities,” he said.This is not merely a political responsibility but also a constitutional responsibility, Sawant said.He also cited a recent incident at a school in Mira Bhayandar, where students were reportedly told not to bring lunch containing onion, garlic and root vegetables in view of the Jain community’s ‘Paryushan’ festival, as another example of such a mindset.“Everyone’s religious beliefs should be respected, but those beliefs should not be imposed on others,” he said.Earlier in the day, the Bombay high court came down heavily on the Pune administration over its alcohol ban during the 10-day Ganesh festival, sternly asking why the district was singled out while Mumbai and other regions faced no such restrictions.A bench of chief justice MC Tripathi and justice Advait Sethna asked the administration to withdraw the prohibition or face judicial intervention, noting that by ordering such an arbitrary crackdown in one district, the authorities were stigmatising Pune and its residents.The court was hearing petitions filed by associations of hotel owners and wine shop owners challenging the Pune collector’s order prohibiting sale of alcohol for 10 days during the Ganesh festival starting September 14.It asked the advocate appearing for the Pune collector to inform the court later in the day if the order would be withdrawn or else the court would pass an appropriate order.The bench further noted that while it understands that the authorities need to maintain law and order and avoid nuisance, a blanket order prohibiting licence holders from carrying out their trade for 10 days cannot be passed.(With inputs from PTI)