No action on Maharashtra government's order to stop desecration of Deities and national heroes

Mumbai Excise Department advocates for bar owners
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti files complaint to Maharashtra government

Shri. Satish Sonar, Shri. Ravinder Dasari, Shri. Sandeep Tulsakar, Shri. Sushil Bhujbal, Shri. Vilas Nikam, & Shri. Manish Saini presented a statement to Superintendent Praveen Tambe of the Mumbai Excise Department.

Acknowledgement of Complaint

Mumbai – On June 4th, 2019, the Maharashtra government issued an order mandating the change of names of pubs and bars that reference deities, national heroes, and forts to maintain respect for these revered figures. Instead of enforcing this order, the Mumbai Excise Department has lobbied the government on behalf of bar owners to revoke the directive. Shri. Abhishek Murukate, Coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, obtained information through a Right to Information (RTI) request that exposed the Mumbai Excise Department’s resistance to implementing the government order. In response, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the Commissioner of the State Excise Department. The complaint criticizes the Mumbai Excise Department for its advocacy on behalf of bar owners and calls for immediate action to enforce the original order, emphasizing that the failure to do so disrespects the religious sentiments of millions of people.

1. Direct Complaint Filed: In a direct meeting with the Superintendent of the Mumbai Excise Department, Mr Satish Sonar of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, along with Hindu nationalists Sarvashri Ravinder Dasari, Shri. Sandeep Tulsakar, Shri. Sushil Bhujbal, Shri. Vilas Nikam, and Shri. Manish Saini filed a written complaint regarding the issue.

2. Ongoing Advocacy: For the past few years, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has been advocating for the government to change the names of pubs and bars that reference deities, national heroes, and forts. Several MLAs from Maharashtra have supported this demand and sent letters to the government urging action.

208 pubs and bars in Mumbai and suburbs named after Deities

Out of 318 pubs and bars in Mumbai and its suburbs, 208 establishments, constituting 65 per cent, are named after deities. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti obtained this through a Right to Information (RTI) request. The names include ‘Shrikrishna Bar and Restaurant,’ ‘Durga Restaurant and Bar,’ ‘Siddhivinayak Bar and Restaurant,’ ‘Ganesh Beer Shop,’ and ‘Mahalakshmi Wines.’ Additionally, several bars and pubs bear the names of saints and historical forts.

Absurd backing from the Mumbai Excise Department for bar owners!

The Mumbai Excise Department has received support from various associations including the ‘Association of Progressive Retail Liquor Winders,’ ‘The Bombay Wine Wholesale Association,’ and ‘The Indian Hotel and Restaurants Association.’ In a letter addressed to the State Excise Department, these associations argue that the names given to pubs were not chosen to hurt religious sentiments. They assert that the names are selected as a tribute to loved ones, members, and descendants, and as a means of preserving their memory and legacy.

The excuse of time hinders action!

The Mumbai Excise Department has cited administrative complexities as the reason for not taking immediate action to change the names of pubs and bars as per the government order. They argue that obtaining bar-liquor licenses involves correspondence with multiple establishments such as the Income Tax Department, Municipal Corporation of Mumbai, Food and Drug Administration, and various authorities registered under the Trademark Act. Given these bureaucratic hurdles, the department claims it is impractical to effect name changes quickly. Consequently, they propose revoking the government order and making necessary amendments while assigning names to establishments, as per the complaint lodged by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

“Respect Hindu Sentiments over bar owners’ interests.” – Mr Sunil Ghanwat

Mr Sunil Ghanwat, the State Organizer for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Hindu sentiments over the interests of bar owners. He criticizes the Excise Department’s policy of delaying action, citing administrative complexities, as misguided. Ghanwat asserts that names like ‘Siddhivinayak’, ‘Shri Durgadevi’, ‘Shri Krishna’, and ‘Shri Ram’ hold deep religious significance for Hindus, transcending mere personal identities. Even if the names are given to individuals, these are still the Deities’ names. He urges the Excise Department to uphold the government order without succumbing to pressure from industry associations, emphasizing the need to respect the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.