J U D G M E N T

The petitioner is in default of advance contribution payable to the Kerala Toddy Workers Welfare Fund Board for the year 2025-26. The arrears is stated to be Rs.19,50,505/- excluding interest. The petitioner is before this court seeking a direction to the 2^nd respondent to permit him to clear the liability in installments and for a further direction to the Board to issue clearance certificate to enable the petitioner to apply for the renewal of licence for the year 2026-27.

2. The learned Standing counsel appearing for the Kerala Toddy Workers Welfare Fund Board submits that going by the provisions of Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules , 2002 (hereinafter referred to as 'the 2002 Rules), under Rule 5 (3) (iii), at least 50% of the arrears have to be remitted before a clearance certificate is issued. It is submitted that if the petitioner remits 50% of the arrears immediately, the balance amount can be permitted to be paid in some installments