Kochi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kerala High Court has ruled that police cannot impose independent time restrictions on DJ parties at hotels holding valid liquor licences that permit operations beyond normal closing hours, unless there are specific grounds for doing so.
Setting aside notices issued to Kochi’s Radisson Blu hotel, Justice M. Purushothaman held that the police cannot curtail the extended operating hours granted to an FL-3 licensed hotel by the Excise Department.
The hotel is permitted to operate until 3 a.m. during the 2026-27 financial year, except on the eve of a statutory dry day, under an extended permission granted by the Excise Department.
The court observed that the mere possibility of criminal activities at DJ events was not sufficient to justify restrictions under the Kerala Police Act.
The hotel had challenged police notices limiting its bar operations to midnight and DJ programmes to 11 p.m. It had paid Rs 5 lakh to secure permission to operate until 3 a.m. under the amended Foreign Liquor Rules.
The police had defended the restrictions, citing concerns over drug use, violence and offences against women at late-night entertainment venues. An affidavit by the Kochi Police Commissioner referred to criminal cases linked to DJ events. The police also argued that an extended liquor licence did not confer an unrestricted right to organise late-night entertainment.
Rejecting the blanket restrictions, the court clarified that police can take legal action if they have reason to believe that drugs or other criminal activities are taking place under the cover of DJ parties.
However, it said the authorities retain the power to act against noise pollution. The Police Commissioner can issue preventive directions if DJ music violates prescribed night-time noise limits or ambient noise standards.
The ruling distinguishes between a hotel’s licensed operating hours and the police’s authority to address criminal activity and noise violations.
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