The Madras high court on Tuesday declined to entertain a writ petition Varaaki of Iyappathangal seeking to direct the managing director of TASMAC among other government authorities to probe irregularities in the state-run retail liquor outlets, including illegal liquor sale in the bars attached to it.
The first bench of Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam said, “This court is not inclined to entertain the petition.”
However, “the petitioner (Varaki) was at liberty to pursue his representation which may be considered by authorities,” the bench said.
Varaki alleged that the supervisors and shop vendors had in collision with bar owners refused to sell brands required by the customers and also told them to approach and get the liquor that they needed from the bar.
The rate fixed by the bar was in excess of the maximum retail price and much higher than what was fixed by TASMAC, the petitioner submitted.
Customers are forced to purchase liquor at rates fixed by bar owners.