Kerala HC: Police cannot cut bar hours over drug fears
- The Kerala High Court ruled police cannot restrict bar hours based on drug use fears.
- The case involved challenges to police notices limiting DJ parties to 11 p.m.
- Justice Murali Purushothaman affirmed the right to peaceful assembly and business.
- FL-3 license holders are permitted to operate until 3 a.m. under state rules.
- Police notifications under the Kerala Police Act cannot be permanent.
The Kerala High Court ruled on 10 November 2026 that police authorities cannot restrict the operating hours of licensed bar hotels based on the suspicion of potential drug use. This decision follows the case of Mahadevan versus the State of Kerala and Ors. regarding police notices.
The court specifically addressed the imposition of operational curbs on bar hotels during DJ parties.
The Director of Public Libraries must file an affidavit detailing the events and individuals involved in these irregularities.
This contempt petition stems from a June 2024 order regarding the Transparent Book Procurement Policy. This policy includes a dedicated website, book details, and a one-month objection period for the public.
Procurement conditions forbid the repurchase of books within five years and prohibit changing the names of authors or titles.
Books by first-time authors must now be scrutinized by a selection committee against standards expected of established authors.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay inaugurated this project on 16 October after the TVK came to power.
Writer Perumal Murugan recently raised concerns regarding poor-quality books and content generated using AI. Agal Vilakku Publications was among the publishers whose books were under scrutiny.
The government cancelled existing procurement orders and the DVAC began an inquiry, yet no FIR was registered before the latest order. The matter is posted for further hearing on 11 November.
Background information notes the series Slow Horses follows an MI5 unit for failed agents under the supervision of Jackson Lamb.
Petitioner challenged police notices on DJ parties
These notices mandated that bar operations conclude by 12 a.m. and restricted DJ parties to 11 p.m..
The petitioner argued these police restrictions were illegal. They noted that a fee of ₹5 lakhs had been paid to secure extended operating hours until 3 a.m..
Police cite Kerala Police Act to justify late-night curbs
It is limited to a maximum duration of 15 days.
Residents' right to silence vs. business operations
These directions apply if DJ parties violate ambient noise standards.
Foreign Liquor Rules permit operations until 3 a.m.
Under the Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, and with permission from the Deputy Excise Commissioner, the petitioner's bar hotel is entitled to operate until 3 a.m. for the 2026-27 financial year, excluding statutory dry days.
The court ruled that police cannot restrict the hotel's operating hours permitted by these rules unless there are special grounds justifying such limitations.
Justice Murali Purushothaman held that the mere possibility of criminal activity does not justify police restricting the extended operating hours granted to FL-3 hotels under the Foreign Liquor Amendment Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google