Gujarat Passes Bill to Auction Seized Vehicles in Liquor Smuggling Cases

The Gujarat assembly passed a bill empowering the state to auction vehicles confiscated under the Gujarat Prohibition Act. Previously, vehicles seized in liquor smuggling cases could not be released until a final court judgment. Over 7,000 such vehicles will now be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting social schemes.

The Gujarat assembly on Thursday passed a bill allowing the government to auction vehicles confiscated by police in liquor smuggling cases under the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

Previously, vehicles seized in such cases could not be released until the final court decision, resulting in over 7,000 vehicles lying unused in police stations or court compounds, according to Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi. The new Amendment Bill aims to resolve this issue.

Sanghavi noted that auction proceedings will fund schemes for the poor and benefit from timely sales. Accused individuals winning their cases may claim auction proceeds with 5% annual interest.

(With inputs from agencies.)