Tamil Nadu Christians Seek Liquor Ban on Good Friday

Thoothukudi, 14 March 2025: A delegation led by Fr. Jeyanthan, Director of the Prohibition of Liquor Council and a priest of the Diocese of Tuticorin, submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai at Thoothukudi Airport on March 12. The petition urged the closure of liquor shops across the state on Good Friday, emphasising the need to respect the religious sentiments of the Christian community and calling for government action.

The petition requested Mr. Annamalai to recommend the proposal to the Chief Minister and encourage BJP-affiliated MLAs to present the demand in the upcoming legislative assembly session.

The delegation included:

• Mr. Sitharangkathan, Thoothukudi South District BJP President

• Advocate S.P. Variyar, Thoothukudi District BJP Vice President

• Mr. Stephen Lobo, Thoothukudi South District BJP Minority Wing President

• Mr. Jayakumar, BJP Minority Wing Union President, Thiruvaikundam

• Advocate Fidelis, Madurai High Court Bench

• Mr. Ruston, Coordinator of Prohibition Councils

• Mr. Roosevelt, Thoothukudi District Prohibition Council President

Mr. Annamalai assured the delegation of his full support and pledged to raise the issue with the state government.

Fr. Jeyanthan welcomed the positive response, stressing that Good Friday is a solemn occasion for Christians and calling on the government to honour religious sentiments by implementing the request.

This initiative marks a significant step in the movement for liquor prohibition on religious occasions, with further discussions expected in the coming weeks.

By Fr. Jeyanthan

Diocese of Tuticorin