11 September,2026 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Bombay High Court questioned Pune’s 10-day alcohol ban during the Ganesh festival. File pic
The Bombay High Court on Friday questioned the Pune administration over its decision to prohibit the sale of alcohol across the district for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, asking why such restrictions had been imposed only in Pune while Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra faced no similar curbs.
A bench comprising Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna was hearing petitions filed by associations representing hotel owners and wine shop owners against the Pune collector's order. The prohibition is scheduled to remain in force during the 10-day Ganesh festival beginning September 14.
The bench criticised the administration for imposing what it described as an arbitrary restriction in one district and said the move could stigmatise Pune and its residents.
"What is the rationale behind choosing only Pune? We deprecate such practice. This is a stigma on Pune residents. What are you trying to portray that only people in Pune behave badly after drinking? One district you are choosing across the state," the court remarked.
The judges directed the advocate representing the Pune collector to inform the court later on Friday whether the administration intended to withdraw the order. The bench indicated that it would otherwise consider passing an appropriate order.
The court acknowledged that authorities have a responsibility to maintain law and order and prevent nuisance during large public festivals. However, it questioned whether this objective could justify a blanket prohibition preventing licensed establishments from conducting their business for 10 days.
The bench observed that it could not be assumed that every person who consumes alcohol would create a nuisance on roads or lead to a law-and-order problem.
The judges also urged the Pune authorities to reconsider the prohibition rather than impose a blanket restriction on all licensed establishments.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Tripathi made a light-hearted observation while discussing the consequences of a 10-day prohibition on alcohol sales.
"They will flood hospitals if they don't get to drink for 10 days," CJ Tripathi quipped.
The court's remarks came in the context of examining whether a complete district-wide ban was proportionate to the authorities' stated objective of maintaining public order during the festival.
The petitions have challenged the Pune collector's decision on behalf of businesses whose operations would be affected by the prohibition.
The bench's observations indicated that while authorities can take steps to prevent disruption and maintain public safety during the Ganesh festival, a blanket restriction affecting all licensed alcohol traders in Pune may not be legally sustainable.
The court asked the administration to revisit the order and report its decision later in the day.
(With inputs from PTI)
