Liquor shop applicants likely to move court over deadline extension in Telangana

Applicants for liquor shop licences in Telangana plan to move court against the government’s decision to extend the deadline, alleging it is arbitrary and illegal. Officials cited the BC bandh as reason, but critics see political manipulation behind the move.

Hyderabad: Objections are being raised against the Prohibition and Excise Department’s decision to extend the deadline for filing applications for liquor shop licences to October 23. Applicants are likely to move court, calling the extension illegal and a violation of rules.

According to the original schedule issued by the department, October 18 was the last day for submission. However, the deadline was extended to October 23 following requests from a few officials.

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The move has drawn sharp criticism from applicants, who allege that the decision is arbitrary and contrary to procedure. They argue that similar objections were raised in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in 2019 when the last date for bar licence applications was extended, prompting legal challenges.

In that instance, the AP government had issued a notification on November 29, 2019, inviting online applications for bar licences, each with a non-refundable fee of Rs.10 lakh. The deadline, originally set for December 6, was extended to December 9 citing technical issues and a poor response. Applicants there had approached the court, stating that the extension was unfair to those who had applied within the original timeframe.

They cited examples such as Rajampeta and Hindupur, where valid applications matched the number of bars notified. The extension, they argued, increased competition unnecessarily and reduced the guaranteed chances of timely applicants.

After hearing the arguments, the court in 2020 observed that the State government had driven the petitioners to the court for its fault and set aside the orders extending the last date.

The court further said “Such extension of time is nothing but arbitrary. The extension of time is contrary to the rules and against public interest. The procedure adopted by the respondents is irrational and without any basis or statutory power.”

Recalling this, similar objections are now being raised in Telangana. Many applicants contend that filing applications before the original deadline involved significant time, effort and expense. By extending the deadline, the department, they allege, has encouraged unfair practices.

Despite the increase in the application fee from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.3 lakh this time, the department appears focused on generating more revenue, they claimed, adding that they would explore all legal options to challenge the move.

Other sections have also questioned the government’s intent.

“Scam alert. Extending the liquor tender application deadline in Telangana raises serious concerns. Many applicants had already submitted their forms for the lottery, but now, at the last minute, the Revanth Reddy government has extended the last date,” an X user, Uttam, posted.

“When the authorities already know how many applications each shop received, this sudden move gives room for political manipulation, allowing certain groups to enter the lottery strategically. Transparency and fairness in the tender process must be protected,” he added.

In its order, the department said Deputy Commissioners of Rangareddy, Warangal, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar and Medak districts had sought an extension, citing disruption of public transport and banking services during the BC bandh on Saturday. They argued that the extension would give a fair opportunity to all applicants.

However, speculation persists over possible vested interests behind the move. In the previous term, around 1.30 lakh applications were received for 2,620 shops across the State. This time, till Sunday, nearly 89,000 applications had been filed. Officials said that though the total number of applications was lower this time, revenue from application fees had increased.