Install CCTVs with IP address at liquor outlets, directs HC
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand high court has directed the state government to ensure installation of CCTV cameras with IP address facility in all liquors retail and wholesale outlets and bars in the state within a month and submit a compliance report before it.
The court gave these directions on Thursday while hearing a contempt petition filed in July that its August 29, 2019 order regarding installing CCTV cameras in liquors shops and bars across the state with IP address facility has not been complied with.
The state excise commissioner, in an affidavit filed before the court, said CCTVs with IP address facility had been connected in 110 out of the 553 retail liquor outlets in the state. A control room has been set up at the head office of the excise commissioner for the same.
Similarly, in the case of 283 wholesale outlets, 115 had been connected with the control room. And out of the 251 bars, 10 have been connected with CCTVs, the affidavit said.
Nainital-based advocate and activist DK Joshi had filed a public interest litigation in the court in 2018 on the need to discourage liquor consumption in the state. Joshi has been working for the prohibition of liquor in the state for over 15 years.
Joshi, who appeared in person, said on August 29, 2019, the HC had issued many directions including setting up of CCTVs in liquors shops and bars across the state with IP address facility and ensuring that the liquor is not sold to people less than 21 years.
Joshi said after the state government failed to comply with the HC order, he moved a contempt petition in July, responding to which the court on issued a contempt notice to the secretary excise.
Joshi said the excise department, in its affidavit, admitted that CCTV cameras have not been connected with IP facility at many liquor shops and bars due to various reasons, including poor and unstable internet connectivity in remote areas of the state.
“The HC after hearing the matter directed the state government to complete installation of CCTVs with IP address facility at all liquors retail outlets, bars, wholesale outlets within a month and submit an affidavit regarding the same before the court,” he said.
THE STATE EXCISE COMMISSIONER SAID CCTVS WITH IP ADDRESS HAD BEEN CONNECTED IN 110 OUT OF 553 LIQUOR OUTLETS