The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday while disposing of petitions filed by land owners and persons holding licence to sell snacks at Tasmac shops seeking a direction to forbear the authorities from closing the shops, said the court will not consider the doctrine of legitimate expectation as in ordinary commerce since the business itself is considered to be harmful to public health and public welfare.Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy said any step towards closing the shop is only welcome. The court said Article 47 of the Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy states the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health. Published - May 20, 2026 10:03 pm IST