Happy hours begin for winning side: Justice Roy

NEW DELHI: Justice Hrishikesh Roy was given the honour of saying the last word after pronouncement of judgment by CJI D Y Chandrachud in sync with the tradition that evolved during the hearing of the Centre-state dispute over controlling alcohol. "The judgment (majority and dissenting) is now delivered, and since the case relates to intoxicating liquor , I would suggest to the winning side that ' happy hours ' begins now," Justice Roy said.

While the counsel for the victorious party chuckled, Solicitor general Tushar Mehta said, "The losing side also needs the same thing (to forget the setback)." Justice Roy quipped, "But do not lose control." Justice B V Nagarathna, who penned the dissent, too joined in the light banter and said, "Alcohol seems to be the panacea for both winning and losing sides.

During the long-drawn proceedings in the case, Justice Roy had virtual monopoly over lighter vein comments. As the arguments were over-sprinkled with references to alcohols of various nomenclature, Justice Roy said, "For the whole day we are hearing about only alcohol and alcohol, which is very intoxicating."