Allahabad HC Limits Police Powers Over Alcohol At Concerts
What Happened
The Allahabad High Court struck down a Lucknow Police condition prohibiting alcohol at a live concert while granting permission under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The court said those rules allow conditions related to noise but contain no provision empowering police to permit or prohibit alcohol service. The case involved an October 10 concert at Dayal Gateway in Gomti Nagar, sponsored by Casa Bacardi. The court also noted that a similar alcohol restriction had not been imposed at another concert.
Key Takeaways
The ruling does not create an unrestricted right to serve alcohol at concerts. It specifically says police cannot impose an alcohol ban by relying on powers under the Noise Pollution Rules.