State to submit fresh High Court affidavit on bar licensing, says excise minister

The state excise minister announced that authorities will file a fresh affidavit with the High Court concerning bar licensing regulations and outstanding procedural matters. The filing is expected to address concerns raised during earlier hearings and provide updated information on the state's position regarding bar licence issuance and compliance.

The move comes as the High Court continues to examine petitions related to bar licensing policies. The state's legal team has determined that a supplementary affidavit is necessary to clarify the government's stance and present additional documentation relevant to the case.

Bar licensing has remained a contentious issue in several Indian states, with courts frequently intervening in disputes between state authorities, applicants, and existing licence holders. The High Court's involvement in this matter reflects broader questions about regulatory transparency and procedural fairness in the issuance of liquor retail permits.

The excise minister did not specify a timeline for filing the affidavit but indicated the submission would be made in the near term. Legal observers suggest the fresh affidavit may seek to reconcile earlier positions with current circumstances or address specific judicial queries raised during previous hearings.