In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed the pervasive problem of liquor vends on national and state highways, which significantly increase road accident fatalities involving drunken driving. Based on alarming accident statistics (over 48,000 deaths annually on national highways in 2015) and the Union government's expert policy, the Court held that no new liquor licences shall be granted on any national or state highway, including stretches through cities and towns. Existing licences may continue until 1 April 2017. Vends must not be visible or accessible from highways within 500 metres. The judgment prioritizes road safety over commercial interests and directs strict enforcement by all states and union territories.
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