Nagpur: In a significant relief to liquor traders, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has ruled that liquor shops need not remain closed on October 27, the counting day for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections. However, restrictions on liquor sales during the polling period will remain in force.
The ruling came while the court was hearing petitions filed by liquor vendors from Nagpur and Chandrapur districts challenging the dry-day orders issued by the respective district administrations.
A division bench comprising Justices Urmila Joshi and Raj Wakode held that the restrictions imposed for polling could continue, but the closure requirement for counting day was not justified, according to the report published by The Times of India on October 20, 2026.
What the Bombay High Court Ordered
The district administrations had directed liquor outlets to remain closed from 4 pm on October 21 until the conclusion of polling on October 23. They had also ordered a dry day on October 27, when the votes are scheduled to be counted.
The liquor vendors challenged the extension of the prohibition to counting day, arguing that the restrictions would adversely affect licensed businesses and that a separate legal basis was required to prohibit liquor sales on that day.
The petitioners relied on provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which provide for restrictions on liquor sales during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of polling.
After considering the petitions, the High Court retained the restrictions applicable to the polling period but removed the requirement to shut liquor outlets on October 27.
What This Means for Nagpur Residents
For licensed liquor retailers in Nagpur and Chandrapur, the decision means they can continue sales on MLC vote-counting day, subject to other applicable laws and regulations.
The ruling does not cancel the dry-day restrictions associated with polling. Liquor outlets must continue to comply with the applicable closure orders during the stipulated election period.
The Maharashtra Legislative Council elections include the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency and other graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies across the state. Polling is scheduled for October 23, while counting will take place on October 27.
The High Court’s decision provides relief to liquor businesses while maintaining restrictions intended to ensure the peaceful conduct of polling.
