HC rejects pleas against beer policy

HYDERABAD: A division bench of the AP High Court comprising justice A.Gopal Reddy and justice KS Appa Rao refused to interdict the beer procurement policy of the state government.The bench on Monday dismissed two writ petitions filed by Arthos distilleries (manufacturers of Golden Eagle) and Lilasons (manufacturers of Khajuraho Beer). The government revised its policy and decided to go by sale figures of beer in the state while procuring beer from the AP Beverages Corporation.In the earlier excise year the government had decided to go by sales figures across the country. The policy laid down by the Rosaiah government was challenged. However, the present government reverted to the earlier process of going by state figures which is again challenged.A single judge of the court admitted the writ petition but refused to stay the policy. Aggrieved by the same the present appeals were filed. The bench found no reason to interfere with the order of the single judge.