CHENNAI: On Saturday, the ruling DMK government of Tamil Nadu amended the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, significantly increasing the punishment and fines for crimes related to the production, possession, and sale of illicit liquor. The Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024, aims to eliminate the threat of illegal liquor in the state.
The amendment follows the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, resulting in stricter penalties under sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11 of the Act. The revised law proposes a maximum punishment of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. If consumption of illicit liquor leads to death, offenders will face life imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.
Congress Legislature party leader K Selvaperunthagai supported the bill, suggesting the addition of a system of checks and balances, including a select committee, to prevent power abuse. PMK's G K Mani urged the government to hold police accountable for hooch tragedies and consider complete prohibition in the state.
The bill, introduced by Prohibition Minister S Muthusamy, was passed by the House.
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