Calcutta HC allows Darjeeling's Glenary’s Bar to reopen till January 5

The historic Glenary’s Bar in Darjeeling has reopened its doors just in time for Christmas celebrations, providing a major boost to the town's festive spirit. The establishment had been shuttered on November 9 by the state excise department for a period of three months following allegations of irregularities. However, the Kolkata High Court’s single bench, presided over by Justice Amrita Sinha, issued a stay order on the closure until January 12, allowing the iconic venue to serve patrons once again.

The state government challenged this stay order before a division bench headed by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, but the appeal was dismissed, clearing all legal hurdles for the time being. Glenary’s owner, Ajoy Edwards, who is also the chief of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front, had moved the court immediately after the excise department's action. His legal team argued that the sudden closure was unjustified, and the High Court concurred by granting interim relief.

The closure of Glenary’s had sparked a political controversy in the hills, with many linking the move to "Gorkhaland" politics. In November, Ajoy Edwards had inaugurated a bridge at Tungsung where the word ‘Gorkhaland’ was prominently displayed. Shortly after this, the bar was sealed, leading to allegations of political vendetta. While the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) maintained that the closure was strictly due to administrative irregularities and previous notices, the timing remained a subject of intense debate.

With the High Court's intervention, the bar will remain open at least until the next hearing scheduled for January 5 at the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench. For the thousands of tourists currently flocking to Darjeeling for the winter holidays, the reopening of Glenary’s is a welcome development. The establishment, which has been a landmark since the British era, remains a focal point of Darjeeling’s tourism and social life, especially during the year-end festivities.