Nepal border shops empty as Patna HC lifts liquor ban

Within hours of the Patna High Court striking down Bihar government's order banning consumption and sale of liquor in the state, shops bordering Nepal went empty as people rushed to celebrate the court verdict.

Sources from Raxaul told this newspaper that in Birgunj, where liquor shops that used to remain open till late evening, ran out of stocks within two hours Friday with people from Bihar crossing over to buy bottles of liquor.

At several places, including in Patna, liquor bottles were sold on high prices with most delivering bottles to people's homes, sources added. A local businessman, who celebrated the court's verdict Friday evening, said, "I could manage only one bottle as the vendor had increased the rates of even the average brands." He added that he was now planning to visit one of the outlets in Nepal or in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday to "buy a full stock for myself and my friends".

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, meanwhile, has decided to come afresh on his prohibition stance as he gave indication that his government could be working on a new policy.

During an event in Patna, Mr Kumar, who has called an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue, said, "The prohibition act has changed lives of people in Bihar. The state government will introduce a new liquor policy." JD(U) sources said that the emergency meeting has been convened to approve the notification on amended liquor law.

The prohibition act, which was Mr Kumar's key poll promise to women voters, had suffered a major blow on Friday after the high court quashed the April 5 notification of the state government banning the people from consuming, selling or possessing liquor in Bihar.

Mr Kumar had defended his liquor stance by claiming that his decision has improved the lives of people. "The state government has lost Rs 5,000 crore after the ban was imposed in Bihar but I am happy that people saved Rs 10,000 crore from the same prohibition act. Lives of people have changed since we imposed the ban in the state."

The court's verdict had come just two days before the state government was due to notify the stricter prohibition law. JD(U)-led grand alliance had passed the amended Bill in Patna assembly, which was termed as "draconian" by the opposition. Governor Ram Nath Kovind had later approved the bill.