CM: State first to go for property seizure in illegal liquor trade cases

Himachal has become the first state in the country to make a provision for property seizure in illegal and spurious liquor cases, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.

He said that the state government was taking strict measures against those involved in the trade of illegal and spurious liquor. “Amendments were made to the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011, during the monsoon session of the state Assembly, tightening the noose around individuals involved in such unlawful activities,” he added.

Sukhu said, “The most significant amendment is the introduction of a provision allowing the seizure of property belonging to individuals involved in illegal activities as well as their relatives and associates, an aspect previously not in the Act.” He added, “Himachal is the first state to implement this provision. Furthermore, to enhance its effectiveness, these offences have now been made cognizable and non-bailable.”

He added, “The illegal sale of liquor to minors or employing them as salesmen is a serious crime. To address this problem, a new provision of six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 50,000 has been made. To ensure effective implementation of the provision, the enforcement agencies are being empowered. The establishment of an excise police force has also been proposed to expedite the handling of excise cases and discourage illegal activities.”