Following HC Orders, NHAI Issues Notice To Liquor Vends In Punjab And Haryana

In accordance with the directions of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started issuing notices to liquor vends operating along National Highways (NHs) without prior permission, reports The Times of India.

The Ambala project implementation unit (PIU) of the NHAI has identified 90 such vends on the stretch of NH 44 (formerly NH 1) between Jalandhar in Punjab and Panipat in Haryana. NHAI’s actions come in the backdrop of the court seeking a response on non-compliance of its orders.

In March, the HC had issued a clarification that no liquor vends falling beyond the vicinity of a town – even if it falls under the jurisdiction of a municipal authority – could operate without access permission of the NHAI. The HC also said that under the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act of 2002, permission for occupying land along NHs outside of cities, towns and villages would be required from the NHAI.

The NHAI on its part has said that it is in the process of removing the vends along with banners, hoardings, decorative lights, signboards and other associated paraphernalia to reduce the distraction caused to drivers.

Other PIUs of the NHAI are yet to respond to the HC’s orders.