No More Liquor Shops Along Highways! Rajasthan High Court Issues Landmark Order to Remove 1,102 Outlets

In a historic and stringent decision, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered the state government to remove all liquor shops operating within 500 meters of state and national highways. A total of 1,102 liquor outlets will now have to be shifted within two months, marking one of the toughest actions taken in recent years against roadside alcohol availability.

High Court Slams Government: “You Turned Highways into Liquor-Friendly Corridors”

The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court, comprising Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sanjeet Purohit, sharply criticized the state government during the hearing. The court observed that the administration had effectively converted the highways into “liquor-friendly corridors” by taking cover under municipal boundaries.

The bench made it clear that even if these shops fall within municipal limits, they must be removed if they are located along state or national highways. The decision comes in light of rising road accidents and increasing cases of drunk driving across the state.

Government’s Stand: Shops Fall Under Urban Limits

During the hearing, the government admitted that out of 7,665 liquor shops in Rajasthan, 1,102 are located along highways. It argued that these outlets lie within municipal and urban limits and therefore fall under the exemption granted by the Supreme Court. The state also revealed that these 1,102 shops contribute ₹2,221.78 crore annually to its revenue.

Court Rejects Argument, Says SC Order Misused

The High Court dismissed the government’s explanation, stating that the administration had misused the “municipal area” exemption and undermined the Supreme Court’s original intent.

The bench remarked:

“Under Article 21, protecting human life is paramount. We cannot sacrifice lives for revenue worth ₹2,200 crore.”

According to the court, the state’s justification made a mockery of the Supreme Court’s directive aimed at reducing highway accidents caused by drunken driving.

Rising Drunk Driving Cases Alarming

The High Court highlighted that drunk driving cases have risen by nearly 8% in 2025.
By September 2025 alone, 43,788 cases were recorded.

The court also referred to two recent major accidents:

• Harmada (Jaipur) – 15 deaths
• Phalodi – 15 deaths

These incidents, caused by drunk driving, further prompted the need for intervention.

Clear-Cut Directions from the Court

The High Court issued strict and unambiguous guidelines:

• No liquor shop shall operate within 500 meters of any state or national highway.
• All 1,102 shops must be relocated within two months.
• No liquor hoardings or advertisements should be visible from highways.
• The Excise Commissioner must submit a compliance report during the next hearing on January 26, 2026.

A Major Step Toward Safer Highways

With rising accident rates linked to alcohol consumption, the High Court’s order is expected to significantly impact road safety in Rajasthan. The move may also set a precedent for other states struggling with drunk driving incidents and lax enforcement near highways.