Accordingly when observing that alcohol has destroyed a generation and that it was imperative to protect the future generations from the ill-effects of alcohol, the Madras High Court told the government of Tamilnadu that there were other ways for the state to earn revenue apart from selling alcohol. Meanwhile the observation came on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ramkumar Adhithan from Tiruchendur in the Madurai bench of Madras High Court, seeking a revision in the timings of TASMAC shops across the state.
Furthermore in his petition, Ramkumar stated that the state government earned Rs 31,244 crore from the sale of alcohol last year, and that it has been involved in setting targets for alcohol sale in TASMAC stores during festival seasons. Further adding that alcoholism leads to a lot of problems, the petitioner submitted that the TASMAC shops in the state function from 12 pm to 10 pm, and that this facilitates drinking and driving.
Moreover stating that the state government must focus on other avenues to increase revenue, the judges said that villages can also come forward and pass resolutions against setting up of TASMAC shops in their locality as part of their gram sabha meetings. Apparently the state government has to respond to the petition by February 28, which is when the petition will be heard next.
