Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state Excise Department to carefully examine whether the Pommura Dorbar Shnong of Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills, has indeed granted a no objection certificate (NOC) for the proposed establishment of four to five wine stores in the village, located along the highway.
The order came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL No. 9 of 2025) filed by Arbiangkam Kharsohrnat, a local resident and businessman, who argued that new liquor outlets would endanger public health and increase the risk of accidents. The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) has also opposed the move.
Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, who heard the matter, noted that the PIL had procedural flaws but entertained it in view of the public concerns it raised. The petitioner relied on Supreme Court rulings from 2016 and 2017 that restrict the establishment of liquor shops along national and state highways. While these judgments exempt Meghalaya and Sikkim from the 500-metre distance rule, they still mandate that liquor stores must not be directly visible or accessible from highways.
In its directions, the Court ordered:
The Excise Department must first verify whether the Dorbar Shnong has issued the NOC.
If confirmed, the matter must be referred to an officer not below the rank of Secretary, who will decide whether to uphold, modify, or reject the Dorbar’s decision.
The final decision must be conveyed to the petitioner and must strictly comply with the law.
Emphasising that the issue falls within government policy, the Court left it to the authorities to decide but stressed that due process and public interest must guide the decision-making. The PIL, along with a connected matter (MC PIL No. 4 of 2025), was disposed of.
