Tamil Nadu Enforces Stricter Penalties for Illicit Liquor as New Amendment Takes Effect

The Tamil Nadu Prohibition Amendment Act, 2024, introduces harsher punishments, including life imprisonment and substantial fines, for offenses related to illicit liquor manufacture, possession, and sale. This amendment follows a tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi and aims to eradicate the illicit liquor menace in the state.

The Tamil Nadu Prohibition Amendment Act, 2024, stipulating enhanced punishment terms and quantum of fines for offences like manufacture, possession, and sale of illicit liquor that endangers lives, has come into force, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced on Saturday.

The TN Prohibition Act, 1937, was amended in response to the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi and was unanimously adopted by the state legislative assembly on June 29. Governor R N Ravi gave his assent on July 11. According to an official release, the amended Act has been notified in the Gazette.

In June, over 60 people died following the consumption of methanol-laced illicit liquor. In response, the chief minister proposed a bill amending the TN Prohibition Act, 1937, to ensure harsher punishments for offenders to prevent such tragedies in the future. The stringent punishment includes life imprisonment for bootleggers if fatalities occur due to spurious liquor consumption. The 2024 amendment aims to completely eradicate the illicit liquor menace from the state.

The amendment substantially increases the terms of imprisonment and fines for various offenses under sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11 of the Act. A maximum punishment of 10 years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh has been stipulated. In cases where illicit liquor consumption results in death, bootleggers will face life imprisonment and a fine of no less than Rs 10 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)