Kerala High Court Rules Police Cannot Restrict Operating Hours Of Licensed Bars

The Kerala High Court recently ruled that police authorities cannot restrict the operating hours of licensed bars and hotels hosting DJ parties based solely on the possibility of criminal activity. Justice Murali Purushothaman stated that such restrictions are not justified under the Kerala Police Act without specific rules in place. Establishments holding valid FL-3 liquor permits are legally allowed to operate during extended hours as per the Foreign Liquor Amendment Rules. The court emphasized that mere suspicion of illegal activities, such as drug use, does not grant police the power to curtail these <b>legally permitted operating hours</b>. While the court acknowledged the police's duty to maintain law and order, it clarified that officials must take <b>stringent legal action</b> against specific criminal acts rather than imposing blanket timing restrictions.