Chandigarh, 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 oneManjeet 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 Singh told the court adding that representations were given to the authorities against it but to no avail. The counsel pointed out that the operation of liquor vends within 500 metres of highways is in direct violation of the judgment in "State of Tamil Nadu vs K Balu" according to which the apex court prohibited the grant and operation of liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways and directed strict enforcement of the same. The plea further alleged that liquor vends on highways encourage drunk driving and are a major cause of road accidents, public nuisance and increased risk to women and school going children. The HC has sought a response by May, asking the state authorities to ensure strict compliance of the apex court orders....