JAMMU: Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey has directed the State Government to review its Excise Policy by March 31, 2017. While disposing of 11 petitions, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed the State respondents to review Excise Policy, if they so feel, in view of the decision of the court in PIL Nos. 7/1999, 70/1999 and 136/1999 which was placed on record of LPA No. 145/99, titled Residents of Kunjwani Versus State of Jammu & Kashmir.
"This is imperative till the time it is considered appropriate to bring about a total prohibition. This would take care of the grievances of all the petitioners as well as private respondents. In that case, it would also be open to the respondents to undertake a denovo exercise to identify the locations for continuing or opening of such retail vends in accordance with any such policy as may be adopted", High Court said.
"The official respondents shall undertake and complete the requisite exercise by the end of the current financial year-March 31, 2017, and issue fresh licenses to the selectees for the year 2017-2018 operative with effect from April 1, 2017", High Court said, adding "in case the present vendees have not paid the annual fee and other dues for the current or any other previous year, they shall deposit the same with the Excise Department before closure of the present financial year. If any petitioner has deposited his fee or other dues before the Registry of this court pursuant to any order, the Registry shall release and pay the same along with interest in favour of the Excise Commissioner".(Inputs from Agencies)
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