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Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu government to immediately investigate and take stringent action against any star hotels or restaurants found allowing children into areas where alcohol is served during the upcoming New Year celebrations. The order comes in response to a public interest litigation highlighting concerns over child welfare and legal violations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice M.M. Srivastava and Justice G. Arulmurugan issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by M. Kamesh from Thiruverkadu in the city. The petitioner had raised an incident from last year’s New Year’s Eve, where children were allegedly brought into a private star hotel in Egmore where alcohol was being served.
"No Entry for Children": Madras High Court's Strict Order for Star Hotel New Year Bashes
In his plea, Kamesh argued that such practices are not only morally objectionable but also violate provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, potentially harming the psychological and social well-being of minors. He urged the court to direct authorities to ensure that children are not permitted in venues where New Year events involve the serving of alcohol.
The court has now mandated that if any complaints are received about children being taken to such venues during the festive period, swift investigation and legal action must follow. The bench emphasized the responsibility of hotel management to comply with legal standards and ensure that celebrations do not expose minors to inappropriate environments.
Every year, Chennai sees large-scale New Year celebrations along Marina Beach and at premium hotels, with heightened police arrangements including barricades, traffic regulations, and restrictions on drunk driving. This judicial order adds another layer of enforcement aimed at safeguarding children during the festivities.
The High Court has closed the case after issuing the order, putting the onus on state authorities and hotel administrations to prevent such incidents and uphold child protection laws during the year-end celebrations.
