Doc writes to Kerala CJI to withdraw free liquor delivery order

A medical professional attached to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Justice S. Mani Kumar seeking his intervention to withdraw the state government's guidelines to supply three litres of liquor every week to those showing withdrawal symptoms to their homes after they obtain a letter from a government doctor.

In the letter, the medical professional named Dinesh said this act is illegal and immoral and requested that the letter be treated as a petition for a public interest litigation.

"There are other ways of treating such people and this is not the way and the court should intervene and stop this," said the letter.

On Tuesday, the Kerala government had directed the Excise Department and the sole wholesaler of liquor and beer in the state, Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), that liquor should be delivered at the homes of people showing withdrawal symptoms.

Medical professionals, including those from the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), have condemned this act and as a mark of protest, they reported at their workplaces on Wednesday wearing black badges.

The Congress-backed union of Bevco on Wednesday expressed their ire on the new order and said that it will charge Rs 100 for home delivery of 3 litres of either rum or brandy for a week to those who have the liquor pass.-IANS