Chennai Chennai: A few days after the Kallakurichi liquor tragedy in Tamil Nadu, the state government on Saturday amended the Prohibition Act and significantly increased the punishment. Now in case of death after consuming poisonous liquor, liquor smugglers will be sentenced to life imprisonment. Recently, 63 people lost their lives in Tamil Nadu due to drinking poisonous liquor. According to the news agency, the state government has amended the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937 and increased the period of punishment and the amount of fine for crimes such as manufacturing, possession and sale of illicit liquor endangering life. The Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024 will come into force from the date of notification by the government. The amendment significantly increases the jail term and the amount of fine for various offenses under sections 4,5,6,7 and 11 of the Act. Accordingly, the amendment includes a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment (RI) and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. In case of death due to consumption of illicit liquor, liquor smugglers will be sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 10 lakh.
A few days ago, about 63 people, including women and a transgender, died in the Kallakurichi liquor tragedy. After the case came to light, DMK came under the target of the main opposition party, AIADMK and BJP. Opposition parties are demanding a CBI inquiry into the poisonous liquor case. Earlier this week, AIADMK members were suspended from the remaining session of the Assembly for allegedly trying to create a ruckus on the issue in the House. On Saturday, Congress Legislature Party leader K Selvaperunthagai supported the government bill and suggested keeping checks and balances in the system.
PMK’s GK Mani demanded the government to fix responsibility on the police or special officer for the liquor tragedy and take steps to implement complete prohibition in the state. The bill introduced by Minister S Muthusamy was later passed by the House.
