BENGALURU, 14 FEB

High Court has modified the ban on the sale of liquor in the City in view of the upcoming byelection to Bengaluru Teachers' Constituency in Legislative Council.

Now, the sale of liquor will only be prohibited from 6am to midnight on 16 February on polling day and from 6am to midnight on 20 February, on the counting day.

The court observed that the previous restriction was not necessary for ensuring free and fair polling, especially considering that the voters were teachers.

Earlier, the Excise Department enforced the ban from 5pm on 14 February to 6am on 17 February and on 20 February. However, restaurant owners challenged this rule, claiming it was illegal. The petition, represented by advocate Arun Shyam, said only 16,000 voters are eligible to participate in the Teachers’ Constituency election. Consequently, a 48-hour liquor ban would disproportionately impact traders and businesspeople.