File photo of Attorney General, Mukul Rohatgi
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi today appeared in Supreme Court for Kerala liquor bars, which has challenged the Kerala High Court order upholding the state government liquor policy. Last year, the state government implemented a new policy intended to reduce liquor consumption in the state.
The 59-year-old told the Court that he is appearing for the petitioners - Kerala liquor bars in his private capacity. Usually the Attorney General represents only the Centre in Courts or the State governments on their request.
Mr Rohatgi contended that under the new prohibition policy production, distribution and consumption of liquor had not been curtailed. He said it was strange that one could drink in five star hotels, clubs, wine and beer bars but not in other hotels or restaurants.
The petitioners also said that if the policy was aimed towards total prohibition, the petitioners would not have any problems but in the name of policy, whether the State could discriminate.
Later, Mr Rohatgi told NDTV that he had taken permission from the government to appear in this case in his private capacity, as Centre is not a party in the case.
Supreme Court has adjourned the case to July 28.