The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a cautionary message to the Haryana government regarding the sale of alcohol beyond midnight in bars and pubs in two specific districts—Gurugram and Faridabad. This warning, made on Thursday, comes in response to concerns raised by the state’s new excise policy for 2024-25. The court, however, refrained from issuing a formal directive, choosing instead to emphasize the need for careful consideration of cultural and social impacts.
The controversy began after the Haryana government’s new excise policy, which was introduced in June 2024, altered provisions from the previous policy that had allowed bars and pubs to stay open past midnight if they paid a fee. Under the new rules, bars and pubs across the state were required to close by midnight, except in the districts of Gurugram and Faridabad, where the old rules permitting extended hours still apply.
Following the announcement of the new policy, bar and pub owners in Panchkula filed a petition with the high court, requesting that they be granted the same extended hours allowed in Gurugram and Faridabad. The court, while acknowledging this request, took a step back from issuing any immediate orders, instead stressing the importance of responsible drinking and cultural values in Indian society.
The judges pointed out that while night clubs and late-night drinking establishments are not being discouraged outright, policymakers should take into account the unique social and cultural fabric of India. The court noted that literacy rates and a mature understanding of the consequences of excessive drinking remain a work in progress, and that permitting extended drinking hours could exacerbate social issues. In particular, the court highlighted that excessive drinking and late-night partying are still viewed as taboos in many parts of Indian society.
Additionally, the court raised concerns about the potential social strain that might result from allowing people to stay in bars and pubs all night. It noted that if bars were allowed to remain open late, it could lead to negative social consequences. The judges advised the state to take these cultural and societal factors into account when determining future excise policies.
While the court refrained from ordering an immediate ban on late-night liquor sales in Gurugram and Faridabad, it did issue a clear message to the Haryana government: decisions regarding bar operating hours should not be influenced by financial incentives. The judges emphasized that a balance must be struck between generating revenue and maintaining the cultural integrity of the state. They also instructed the state to consider these concerns carefully when developing future versions of the excise policy.
The court’s final directive was to send a copy of the ruling to the Haryana Chief Secretary for further review. This cautionary step signals that the high court is committed to ensuring that public policy aligns with the cultural and social values of the region, especially concerning the sale and consumption of alcohol late into the night.
