KERALA ST. TODDY SHOP CONTRACTORS ASS. vs T.N.PRATHAPAN,M.L.A

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the State of Kerala must enforce Rule 28A of the Foreign Liquor (Compounding, Blending and Bottling) Rules, 1975, which mandates the closure of licensed liquor premises on the first day of every English calendar month, including September 1, 2009. The Court found that the exemption for toddy shops under the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, created an unjust discrimination against IMFL shops, violating the principle of equality. Consequently, the Court affirmed the High Court's writ of Mandamus restraining the State from allowing IMFL sales on the specified date and directed the closure of toddy shops as well, ensuring compliance with existing laws.