Rajasthan HC Orders Removal of Liquor Stores Within 500m of Highways
Excise Commissioner asked to file detailed compliance affidavit before January 26, 2026
Nov 27, 2025 - Rajasthan High Court has ordered the removal or relocation of all liquor shops operating within 500 metres of National and State Highways within two months. This order will also apply to stretches of highways that pass through urban local body areas.
A Division Bench of Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sanjeet Purohit issued this direction during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Kanhaiya Lal Soni and Manoj Nai.
During the hearing, the judges expressed concern over the increasing number of fatal accidents in Rajasthan and said that easy access of alcohol along the highways dramatically increased the risk of drunk driving on already vulnerable stretches. The Bench said that incidents of drunk driving are rising and the State Government has failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s order meant to protect human life.
The Court further said that no advertisements, signage and display boards of liquor shops should be visible from highways.
During the hearing, the State Government said that liquor shops located within urban local body limits generate more than Rs 2,200 crore in revenue. It admitted that of 7,665 liquor shops in Rajasthan, 1,102 are located on National and State Highways, but owing to expanding urban boundaries, these shops now fall under urban local body limits.
The Bench said it is not appropriate to consider highway stretches as part of expanding urban areas. The State Government is misusing the limited relaxation granted by the Supreme Court in this matter, it added.
The Court fixed the next hearing for January 26, 2026, and directed the Excise Commissioner to submit a detailed affidavit on compliance before the next hearing.
With Media Inputs
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