CHENNAI: The Union Home Ministry announced that the liquor stores can be re-opened in all the zones from May 4th and issued orders that not more than five persons should be present at one time in front of the alcohol stores and six feet distance from each other is ensured. But, no such scene can be seen infront of the alcohol shops.

People thronged to the wine shops and formed long queues. No social distancing has been followed and people violated all the rules. Taking notice of the people standing in long queues outside the liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court has ordered the closure of TASMAC and state-run liquor shops in Tamil Nadu and allowed the sale of liquor online.

Many complaints filed stating that people in front of liquor stores are violating the lockdown rules and are not following social distancing. Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party also filed a petition in the high court seeking closure of liquor shops.

A divisional bench comprising Justices Vineet Kothari and Pushpa Satynarayana passed the order and said that the sale of liquor will be allowed online, till May 17. The HC also issued orders that not to sell more than 2 bottles of 750 ml of liquor of any type at a time. Many protests took place across the state against the opening of alcohol shops. Reports say that the state has earned a revenue of Rs. 170 crore in two days.

After the court's order, Kamal Haasan tweeted, “This verdict of the Madras High Court gives us confidence in the judiciary and also proves that only truth triumphs. People have got justice. This is not just the victory of MNM. This is the victory of our intentions, and Tamil Nadu must celebrate. This is the victory for the mothers of Tamil Nadu.”

DMK president M.K. Stalin, opined that opening of liquor shops would lead to a further increase in the spread of COVID-19 infections in the state.

The number of coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu stands at 6,009. In the last 24 hours 600 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported.

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