Karnataka’s high-level meeting fails to deliver a solution on NHs

Mangalore Today News Network

July 05, 2017: There was a lot of talk and hot air but little relief as the State government held a high-level meeting in an attempt to reach a resolution on the closure of bars and pubs along ‘highways’ within the city. However, like the State government itself, pub and bar owners are keeping a hopeful eye on the next Supreme Court hearing on July 11.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials from the law, finance and public works departments to chalk out a legal opinion based on which the State government can frame their stand on the Supreme Court’s order to close liquor vending pubs close to highways. PWD Additional Chief Secretary M. Lakshminarayan said, based on the legal opinion, the department can send another request to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. On June 15, he had sent a letter to the MoRTH seeking the declaration of 99.89 km of National Highways within the city as urban roads.

“This letter has not been acted upon. Depending on the legal opinion, we can send another request detailing the government’s stand and seek a modified order,” he said.