The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Kerala Government not to impose a ban on liquor bars and maintain status quo till September 30.
The Oomen Chandy-led Congress-led government had earlier announced that it would make Kerala an alcohol-free state in the next ten years.
"The petition filled by the Bar Owner's Association was admitted and was given a hearing. The (state) government wanted to implement the closure of the bars at a particular date. So, here the Supreme Court probably wanted to examine this decision. And the Kerala Government is quite clear on their stand," said Congress leader P.C. Chacko.
"When the detailed hearing comes, the Council of the state government will explain its position and I am sure the court will accept it because it is a policy matter," he added.
Kerala has the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the country and experts feel that the state will incur an annual loss of Rs 8,000 to 9,000 crore due to the ban.
