India, Jan. 20 -- The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Rajasthan High Court's order directing the State to remove or relocate all liquor shops within a 500-metre limit from national or State highways due to a surge in fatal road accidents.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, which issued notice on multiple pleas filed by liquor vendors and the Rajasthan Government, however, said that the High Court's "concern was genuine" and the Government may consider it while formulating its liquor policy in the future.

"Issue notice. The effect and operation of the impugned order is stayed," the Supreme Court ordered.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state Government, said that the Supreme Court had earlier directe...