On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Police to disclose the steps taken against establishments allegedly operating as bars and pubs in violation of licensing conditions under the Delhi Excise Act and Rules. The order was passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela while hearing a public interest litigation petition that flagged widespread non-compliance by such venues across the national capital.
The petition, filed by Mahtab Khan, alleged that numerous clubs, bars, pubs, and restaurants in Delhi are functioning without proper licences and are operating well beyond permissible hours. It claimed that this has led to serious revenue loss to the state exchequer and a marked increase in underage drinking. According to the plea, several such venues conduct all-night events, often continuing until 7:00 AM, where alcohol is freely served, including to underage patrons.
The petitioner contended that these establishments disregard statutory restrictions and "openly promote underage drinking" to maximise illicit profits. The plea further submitted that the only licence that permits round-the-clock operation is the L-16 licence, issued under the Delhi Excise Rules, which is exclusively available to 5-star hotels or establishments of a higher category. The petitioner sought a direction for immediate action against bars, restaurants, and clubs operating either without any licence or in violation of the terms of the L-17 licence, which does not allow operations beyond prescribed hours. It was argued that many of these venues are illegally functioning without holding the mandatory L-16 licence, which permits 24-hour service of alcoholic beverages only if the venue is housed within a qualifying hotel.
Additionally, the petition urged the Court to direct the constitution of a dedicated monitoring unit comprising officials from the Delhi Police and Excise Department to ensure enforcement of applicable licensing norms and to carry out inspection and prosecution of violators.
In view of the allegations brought before it, the Division Bench directed the Delhi Police to submit a status report outlining the measures undertaken against establishments purportedly operating without valid licences or in breach of licensing conditions. The bench observed that, if substantiated, the claims point to serious lapses in regulatory enforcement and concerns affecting public welfare. The Court has directed the Delhi Police to file its response, specifically addressing the claims of widespread violations and the absence of enforcement measures.
The matter is now listed for further hearing on August 22.
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