In response to the recent Kallakurichi toxic liquor tragedy that claimed over 60 lives, the Tamil Nadu government has amended the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937.
This amendment aims to enhance the punishment and fines for the manufacture, possession, and sale of illicit liquor.
The Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024, will come into effect on a date specified by the government. The new provisions aim to eradicate the menace of illicit liquor in the state by imposing harsher penalties.
Under the amended act, the term of imprisonment and the quantum of fines for various offences have been significantly increased. The maximum punishment for offences now includes up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and fines of up to ₹5 lakh. For cases where consumption of illicit liquor results in death, the punishment for bootleggers will be life imprisonment with a fine of no less than ₹10 lakh.
The tragic incident in Kallakurichi, which occurred about two weeks ago, resulted in the deaths of approximately 63 people, including women and a transgender person.
The ruling DMK faced criticism from opposition parties AIADMK and BJP, both of which demanded a CBI investigation into the spurious liquor issue in the northern district of the state.
Earlier this week, AIADMK members were suspended for the remainder of the Assembly session, which concluded today, due to their alleged attempts to create disturbances in the House over the issue.
During the Assembly session on Saturday, Congress Legislature party leader K Selvaperunthagai supported the government's bill but suggested implementing checks and balances within the system, including the formation of a select committee instead of giving all powers to the police. PMK's G K Mani recommended holding the police or specific officials accountable for hooch tragedies and urged for the introduction of complete prohibition in the state.
The Bill, introduced by Prohibition Minister S Muthusamy, was subsequently passed by the House.