Liquor is not essential, says SC; dismisses plea for counter sale in Mumbai

The petition had contended that in cities like Pune and Nashik, where the Covid-19 situation was similar to Mumbai, regular counter sale of retail liquor was being permitted

Liquor is not an essential thing, the Supreme Court said on Thursday and dismissed an appeal by Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association (MWMA) against the Bombay High Court order refusing to direct the state to allow over-the-counter sale of liquor in Mumbai.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah said: "The High Court has already permitted the petitioner to represent the matter to the Municipal Corporation. We see no reason to entertain this special leave petition. The special leave petition is dismissed."

Advocate Charanjeet Chanderpal, appearing for the MWMA, said a representation was made to Brihanmumbai Municipal