Hearing to continue over excise policy

The Telangana High Court on Monday adjourned to Tuesday the hearing of a writ petition challenging the excise policy for the years 2025-27 announced by the State government.

The petitioner Gaddam Mallaiah contended that the government had fixed an ‘exorbitant fee’ of ₹ 3 lakh to apply for a liquor shop licence. This ‘non-refundable’ application fee would make it difficult for persons even to apply for the licence. He also stated that there was no concession in the fee for applicants from the Gouda community, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The hearing would continue on Tuesday.