Mass cremation of Kallakurichi hooch tragedy victims at Karunapuram in Kallakurichi on June 20, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
Chennai: Ten days after a hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi claimed the lives of 65 people, the DMK dispensation on Saturday brought an amendment to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, enhancing punishment term to a maximum of 10 years and fine up to Rs 5 lakh for offences like brewing and sale of liquor.
The amendment was moved by Excise, and Prohibition Minister S Muthusamy who said the government’s intention was to impose complete prohibition in the state but "was not possible at this stage". He also said the government was considering reducing the working hours of state-run TASMAC liquor shops and closing more shops.
Leader of the House Durai Murugan said prohibition was not possible in a state like Tamil Nadu "with liquor flowing freely in neighbouring states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh".
“People opt for illicit liquor because they want more kick than what is available in Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). We want to put an end to illicit liquor,” he said.
The Act was introduced and passed a day after Chief Minister M K Stalin said the government will impose stringent punishment to those who brew and sell illicit liquor. The amendment comes 10 ten days after as many as 65 people, including women, died after they consumed illicit liquor in Kallakurichi district, sending shockwaves across the state.
The amendment enhances the term of imprisonment and quantum of fine for various offences under sections 4,5,6,7 and 11 of the Act. The maximum punishment under the amendment act is 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh has been proposed in the amendment.
In case of death due to consumption of illicit liquor, the punishment for bootleggers will be life imprisonment with a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakh, the Act said.