Governor RN Ravi has given his assent to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024, which aims to strengthen the state’s prohibition laws in response to a tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi that claimed 66 lives. The amendment, which was recently passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA), seeks to impose stricter penalties for offenses related to the manufacture, possession, and sale of illicit liquor.On Friday, sources confirmed that the Raj Bhavan communicated the Governor’s assent to the State Law Department. The amendment, introduced by State Minister for Prohibition and Excise S Muthusamy on June 29, significantly increases the severity of punishments. Key provisions include:
Punishment for Death Due to Illicit Liquor:
Rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakh.
Punishment for Illicit Arrack: Rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than five years, which may extend to 10 years, and a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Confiscation and Sealing:
All immovable properties used in the commission of illicit liquor-related offenses can be confiscated, and unlicensed places used for the consumption of liquor can be sealed.
Bail Conditions:
The amendment includes a provision that requires consultation with the public prosecutor before granting bail to the accused.
The legislative action follows the Kallakurichi tragedy, which highlighted the need for more stringent measures to combat the illicit liquor trade in Tamil Nadu.
It is noteworthy that of the 181 bills submitted to Governor RN Ravi, 152 have received assent, five were withdrawn by the state government, and nine were reserved for the assent of the President of India. Additionally, assent was withdrawn from another nine bills, and five bills received in October 2023 are still under consideration.
The amended Prohibition Act is expected to serve as a strong deterrent against illicit liquor activities and ensure stricter enforcement of prohibition laws in the state.