The Supreme Court ban on serving liquor within 500 metres of highways was today hailed by a BJD MP, who said it was "very very necessary".
Tathagata Satpathy said in the Lok Sabha that the Supreme Court needs to be congratulated for the ruling.
Participating in a debate on Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Satpathy said: "The Supreme Court must be congratulated in the matter of banning alcohol 500 metres from the highways. This was very very necessary since long."
He added that, "the Supreme Court has a spark... The Supreme Court has finally shown that they can pass judgements."
The Supreme Court has ordered closure of the liquor vends within 500 meters along the national and the state highways from April 1. The ban applies to the bars, pubs and restaurants.
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When Ratna De Nag, who was in the Chair, asked Satpathy to conclude his speech as he was exceeding his time, the BJD member responded, "thank you madam... We East Indians are well cultured... Like Maharastrians..."
Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena, seated just a bench ahead Satpathy, took objection, saying the remark was sarcastic.
Satpathy then said: "The Minister is also a Maharashtrian".
Kirron Kher (BJP) also took strong objection to Satpathy's remark, saying the member should not comment on culture.