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The Kerala High Court has observed that the police were fully empowered to enforce every measure to rid the State of drugs and substance abuse.
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A division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji was considering an appeal filed by the government against a single-bench order setting aside the Kochi city police’s notices imposing restrictions on DJ parties and other events at star hotels, issued to Radisson Blu, a five-star hotel in the city.
The court clarified that the directions issued by the Single Bench would not stand in the way of the police maintaining “requisite vigil and attention” to all activities about drug and substance abuse.
“Prohibition may not always be the best way forward, but rather strict regulation”, the court stated.
Emphasising the role of police in keeping peace in society, the court stated that they should be seen as partners in everyday life, not enemies.
Additional Advocate General Muhammed Shah informed the court that the instructions in the notices issued by the Police were not to restrict the operation of bars until 3 a.m., only against “uncontrolled parties” where drugs and other substances are allegedly used, even openly.
Lawyer Anand Kalyanakrishnan, representing Radisson Blu, informed the court that the hotel was fully responsible for the parties and that they ensure that every customer was carefully screened and scrutinised for carrying drugs or other substances. The matter would be considered for detailed hearing on November 16.
Published – November 14, 2026 11:55 am IST
