Madras High Court dismisses challenge to Tamil Nadu government’s decision to close down 717 liquor shops

Key points

• The Madras High Court on Wednesday dismissed a writ petition filed by two individuals challenging a decision taken by Chief Minister C.
• Joseph Vijay on May 12, 2026 to close down 717 Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) retail liquor shops located within a distance of 500 metres from educational institutions, places of worship and bus stops.
• Justice G.R.
• Swaminathan observed that it was a “good decision” and refused to interfere with it at the instance of two landlords who had given their properties on lease for running two of those shops.
• The judge agreed with Advocate General Vijay Narayan that the policy decision taken by the government could not be questioned by the landlords by way of a writ petition.