In Brief
The State of Tamil Nadu sought clarification of a Supreme Court order from 15 December 2016 that prohibited granting licenses for liquor sales along national and state highways, including stretches within municipal boundaries. In areas with populations exceeding 20,000, establishments must be at least 500 metres from highways; in smaller areas, 220 metres suffices. The Court clarified that the prohibition applies only to highways connecting cities and towns, not to licensed establishments already operating within municipal areas. This clarification aims to prevent ambiguity and repeated applications across the country.
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