The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to consider the plea for interim relief filed by Som Distilleries Pvt. Ltd., whose liquor manufacturing licence was temporarily suspended by the Madhya Pradesh government in relation to Child Labour.

The State had suspended the licence of the distillery located in Raisen on June 19 after authorities rescued 59 children from the facility during an inspection carried out following complaints of child labour.

Before the Supreme Court, the company challenged the suspension of its licence, arguing that the action was based on the conviction of certain employees/directors in a criminal case, and the appeals against those convictions are pending. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatagi, appearing for the company, contended that excise licences are granted annually, and therefore suspension linked to past events should not prevent the company from participating in fresh licence tenders.

“If the appeal remains pending for years, would it mean that the owner will not be able to carry on business?”

The Supreme Court noted that the issue was already pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where the company had challenged the suspension. The Court therefore directed the State to file its response quickly and asked the High Court to consider the company’s request for interim relief on the merits.

“We request the High Court to consider the prayer for interim relief on merits.”

Clarifying that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case, the Court said the High Court would decide the matter in accordance with the law.

Appearances

Sr adv Vikas Singh

Sr Adv Mukul Rohatgi