Telangana Liquor License Deadline Extension Faces backlash
Hyderabad: The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department’s decision to extend the last date for liquor shop licence applications from October 18 to October 23 has triggered protests among applicants. Many are likely to move court, calling the move illegal and a violation of established rules.
The department originally fixed October 18 as the final day to submit applications. However, following requests from certain officials, the deadline was extended by five days. Applicants have described this decision as arbitrary and contrary to procedure, saying it mirrors similar controversies in Andhra Pradesh in 2019.
In that earlier case, the Andhra Pradesh government extended the deadline for bar licence applications from December 6 to December 9, citing technical issues and poor response. The affected applicants had challenged the decision in court, arguing it discriminated against those who applied on time. They pointed out that in areas such as Rajampeta and Hindupur, all available licences had already been matched by valid applications, and the extension increased competition unfairly. The court had agreed, observing that “such extension of time is nothing but arbitrary” and lacked any statutory basis.
Recalling that instance, several Telangana applicants are now voicing similar concerns. They say preparing and submitting applications before the original deadline required significant time and expenditure. The new extension, they argue, allows fresh entrants who gain an unfair edge after seeing existing competition levels. Many applicants also accused the department of prioritising revenue generation since the application fee increased from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.3 lakh this year.
Meanwhile, criticism has also surfaced online. An X user, Uttam, posted, “Scam alert. Extending the liquor tender application deadline in Telangana raises serious concerns. Many applicants had already submitted their forms for the lottery, but now, at the last minute, the Revanth Reddy government has extended the last date.” He further alleged that the extension enables “political manipulation” and undermines transparency in the tender process.
The Prohibition and Excise Department, however, defended its decision. It stated that Deputy Commissioners from Rangareddy, Warangal, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar and Medak districts sought an extension due to disruption in transport and banking services caused by the BC bandh on Saturday. Officials said they wanted to ensure a fair opportunity for all.
Despite this explanation, speculation persists about possible vested interests behind the move. The previous round had attracted nearly 1.30 lakh applications for 2,620 liquor shops statewide. This year, as of Sunday, around 89,000 applications had been received—fewer in number but higher in fee revenue.
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