India, April 2 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday sought response from the Punjab government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking removal of all liquor vends operating within 500 metres of national and state highways in Fazilka.

The PIL was from one Manjeet Singh, a Fazilka resident, who had alleged that more than 60 vends are illegally operating along highways, including Abohar-Fazilka-Jalalabad roads. "These vends are not only situated within the prohibited distance of 500 metres but are also directly accessible and visible from the highways. Many such establishments are located near bus stands, religious places and educational institutions, thereby aggravating the risk to public safety, his counsel, Kuldip Sing...