New Delhi, Oct 27 The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld an order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court which renewed the liquor license of Som Distilleries Private Limited.
A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, however, set aside the high court’s adverse remarks against the Advocate General’s office, order permitting the company to claim damages from the state and imposing a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the state.
“We are satisfied that in the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, the direction issued by the High Court for renewal of the licence granted to Respondent No. 1 does not warrant any interference. The judgment to that extent is confirmed,” the bench said.
The Madhya Pradesh Excise Commissioner had suspended eight licenses linked to the company and its associated entities based on criminal investigations involving the illegal transportation of liquor using forged permits.
On September 24, the high court had directed the renewal of all of the company’s manufacturing licences under the applicable provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act.
The HC had also awarded costs of Rs 1 lakh to be paid to the company by the Madhya Pradesh government.
It further preserved the company’s right to pursue damages or losses arising from the period of operational closure before an appropriate forum.
(PTI News)
