APHC010591992024 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI WP(PIL) NO: 2 of 2025 Bench Sr.No:-33 [3483] Nannam Priskilla and another ...Petitioners Vs. The State of Andhra Pradesh and others ...Respondents ********** Advocate for Petitioner : - Advocate for Respondents : Mrs. S. Pranathi, Spl. Govt. Pleader CORAM : THE CHIEF JUSTICE DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR SRI JUSTICE RAVI CHEEMALAPATI DATE : 2nd April 2025 P C : The present petition purportedly filed in public interest highlighted the menace of sale of liquor from unauthorized sale outlets by entities other than those who have the licence and permission from the Department of Excise to sell liquor. 2. It is, in this regard, that a direction was sought in the nature of Writ of Mandamus to take necessary action in conducting raids on such shops in the Tirupati District and to cancel the ‘A4 licence’ of shops involved in supply of liquor through unauthorized outlets i.e. ‘Belt Shops’. 2 HCJ & RCJ W.P.(PIL) No.2 of 2025 3. In the response filed by the District Collector, Tirupati, the stand taken is that the Government has issued G.O. bearing No.278, dated 02.12.2024, whereby a hefty fine of Rs.5,00,000/- has been ordered to be imposed against those licensees who violate the terms and conditions of the licence and supplied liquor to unauthorized liquor outlets. It is also stated that if an offence is committed by any licensee for the second time, the licence issued in his favour is to be cancelled. 4. The stand taken is that, irrespective of the receipt of the complaints, as many as 1229 belt shop cases were detected involving the arrest of 1248 accused persons, leading to seizure of 6465 litres of liquor and also 33 vehicles involved in the menace in the entire Tirupati District during the calendar year, 2024. Apart from this, it is stated that, in the months of January, February and March, 2025, as many as 199 accused persons were arrested and 411 litres of liquor was seized from such unauthorized liquor outlets. 5. In our opinion, this is not a case where no action at all has been taken by the Department of Excise and the District Collector, Tirupati District. The action taken reflects positive response towards unauthorized sale of liquor through the premises which are not licensed. 6. Be that as it may, we feel that no further directions are required in this matter and the proceedings are, accordingly, closed. No costs. 3 HCJ & RCJ W.P.(PIL) No.2 of 2025 Consequently, connected miscellaneous applications, if any, shall stand closed. DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR, CJ RAVI CHEEMALAPATI, J kbs 4 HCJ & RCJ W.P.(PIL) No.2 of 2025 131 HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR, CHIEF JUSTICE & HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVI CHEEMALAPATI W.P.(PIL) No.2 of 2025 Dt: 02.04.2025 kbs