Kerala CM to write to Modi against AG representing bar owners in SC

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday said he would be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the appearance of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi in a case challenging the state's liquor policy in Supreme Court.

Taking strong exception to Rohatgi's appearance in the case on Friday for some four star bar owners, who had approached the Supreme Court, Chandy said he would convey to the prime minister the state's "strong resentment" against the AG's act.

The bar owners had approached the apex court challenging the Kerala high court verdict upholding the state's liquor policy as per which bars will be permitted in only five star hotels.

The presence of AG in the case had triggered a debate in the state as the highest legal officer of the Centre was appearing for bar owners against the state's liquor policy.

Chandy urged Modi to ensure that when the case is taken up before the apex court bench at its next sitting on July 28, this should not be repeated by the AG under any circumstances, a government release said.

It had been stated that the AG had appeared in the case after taking the Centre's permission. This was shocking, he said.

"This was a serious issue and the prime minister should make the Centre's stand clear," Chandy said adding the Union government has the responsibility to give full support to the state's decision to implement its liquor policy, which aims at total prohibition in a phased manner.

"If the centre has any commitment towards the country and the people, it should strongly back the state on the issue," he said.

Despite the apex court raising the issue about his appearance in the case, AG had gone ahead, which was injustice to Kerala, Chandy added.