Ahmedabad, October 25: A petition challenging some parts of the Gujarat government's law, that bans the consumption of liquor in the state without a permit, has been filed in the Gujarat High Court. According to an Indian Express report, the plea has argued that alcohol consumption is natural and it has existed as parts of the human society since long. The bench adjourned the case for further hearing till next week. It has further asked the government to prepare its stand of the subject. Truck Carrying Alcohol in Dry State Gujarat, Topples Over in Kutch's Bhachau District.

The report further highlights that petitioners feel that these liquor rules are violative of Article 14 of the Constitution as it creates a “class of people to whom permits are issued, allowing them to purchase, possess and consume liquor.” They have further questioned the permission extended to Army canteens, messes and special economic zones.

The state of Gujarat has a sumptuary law in force that forbids the manufacture, storage, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Despite all of this illegal liquor has been found flowing through the state several times. The BJP government had put out a new law through an ordinance which entailed up to 10-years imprisonment for drinking and possession of alcohol.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2018 08:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).