Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
Credit: PTI Photo
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday passed a Bill that imposes stringent provisions against illicit liquor trade, including severe punishment for involving minors in illegal activities.
All offences of illicit liquor manufacturing, trafficking and consumption under the Himachal Pradesh Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2024 would be cognisable and properties acquired by illegal means would be confiscated.
During a discussion on the Bill in the legislative assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that besides provisions to regulate manufacture, sale and transportation of liquor, making penal provision more stringent and streamlining its enforcement was imperative.
Amendments have been made in 13 sections of the parent Bill, Sukhu said.
The Bill provides for increasing the fine for various offences from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and adds provisions of severe punishment for liquor adulteration, mixing harmful elements in trade and involving minors in illicit activities, the chief minister said.
CM Sukhu said all offences under the Bill would be cognisable, implying that offenders could be arrested by enforcement agencies without any warrant. The objective is to put in place a strong enforcement structure to deal with the offences, he said.