The High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition by bar and restaurant owners questioning the police action of entering their premises.

The petitioners had moved the Court stating that the police who raid the bars and restaurants had no authority. The petitioners contended that as per the Excise Act, only the excise authorities could enter the bars and restaurants and initiate probe.

Additional Advocate General K M Nataraj, who appeared on behalf of the police, submitted that the police could enter the bars and restaurants and initiate probe in any offence (both excise and police) and take necessary steps.

“It is in the interest of society and it is also the duty of the police officers to keep a vigil on any illegalities, including in the bars and restaurants,” he said.

The AAG submitted that business of liquor is not a fundamental right and said that many times crime happens at bars and restaurants.

“Most of the criminal conspiracies are hatched in the bars and restaurants. It is the duty of the police to prevent them and be alert about such incidents,” said Nataraj.

Justice Abdul Nazeer, who heard the matter, dismissed the petition and upheld the police action to probe offences in bars and restaurants.