Ms. R.Colney, GA.
Mr. N.D.Chullai, learned AAG assisted by Ms. R.Colney, learned GA
for the respondents, today has apprised the Court that as per the Meghalaya
Excise Act, the distance as per Rule 183 (2) (a), No IMFL and Beer retail
‘OFF’ and “ON’ license shall be established in any area within a distance of
200 (two hundred) meters from any place of public worship or educational
institution or hospital.
In the instant case, it is noted that in the Minutes of the meeting held
on 19-03-2026, it has been categorically recorded that the wineshop of the
petitioner is approximately 200 meters away from Tura Town Church and
the Niksenggittim Baptist Church, and also the nearest educational
institution is atleast 300 metres away from the nearest development
committee i.e. the Walbakgre Development Committee, whose members
were present in the meeting. It appears therefore, that the petitioner, apart
from possessing a valid license to operate the wineshop also comes within
the exemptions provided under the Meghalaya Excise Act. However, as
objections in the meeting have been raised by the persons who have been
noted at page 3 of the report at Sl. No. 3, 4 & 5, before the matter is disposed
of, the petitioner is directed to put in an appropriate application for
impleading the said persons.