Liquor shops in Delhi will remain closed on 9 and 10 October under an order issued by the Delhi government's Excise Department. Officials said the decision was taken as a precaution to help maintain public order, based on the current situation in the capital and inputs received from Delhi Police.

The order applies to all retail liquor shops operating under L6, L6FG, L8, L10, L14 and L8 & L14 licences. The department did not identify any specific protest as the direct reason for the closure. Instead, it referred to the broader situation in Delhi and the information provided by police.

Closure comes during continuing opposition protests

The decision comes as opposition parties continue demonstrations in Delhi. They are seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleging “vote theft” in the electoral process.

INDIA bloc leaders and MPs have held demonstrations at different locations in the capital over the past 3 days. On 6 October, opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, attempted to move towards the Election Commission. On 7 October, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders tried to march towards Jantar Mantar before police detained them.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and opposition MPs went to Rajghat after a lunch hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The leaders protested there before leaving. The opposition has said demonstrations will continue on Friday.

A gathering has also been called at Jantar Mantar on 10 October by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP. However, a senior Delhi Police officer said permission had not been granted for any demonstration at the site.

Police issue warning as security is increased

The police officer appealed to people to avoid joining unauthorised gatherings. Police said adequate arrangements had been made to maintain law and order in the capital.

Security has been increased ahead of the proposed opposition and CJP demonstrations. According to a senior police officer, more than 20 thousand police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi. Security has been strengthened in sensitive areas, while police are monitoring crowds and demonstrations.

The liquor-shop closure is being viewed in the context of these precautionary security arrangements. However, the Excise Department's order itself does not directly link the action to any particular protest. Its stated basis is Delhi's prevailing situation and inputs from Delhi Police.

For residents, the order means that retail liquor outlets covered by the listed licence categories will not operate on 9 and 10 October. The department's direction specifies the affected licence types but does not provide any further detail in the available information about arrangements after the closure period.

Conclusion

Delhi's listed retail liquor shops will stay closed on 9 and 10 October as the Excise Department cites the city's current situation and police inputs. The order comes amid continuing opposition protests, a proposed CJP gathering and increased security across the capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will liquor shops in Delhi remain closed?

They will remain closed on 9 and 10 October.

Q. Why has the Excise Department ordered the closure?

The department cited Delhi's current situation, public-order concerns and inputs from Delhi Police.

Q. Which liquor shops are covered by the order?

The order covers retail shops operating under L6, L6FG, L8, L10, L14 and L8 & L14 licences.

Q. Are the closures directly linked to a particular protest?

The order does not directly name any specific protest as the reason. It refers to the prevailing situation and police inputs.

Q. What protests are taking place in Delhi?

Opposition parties are protesting over demands including the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and allegations of “vote theft” in the electoral process.

Q. Has permission been granted for the proposed Jantar Mantar gathering?

A senior Delhi Police officer said permission had not been granted for any demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Q. How many security personnel have been deployed?

A senior police officer said more than 20 thousand police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Delhi.