Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Stringent laws to kick in as Governor Ravi gives nod for Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act

CHENNAI: Governor RN Ravi has given his assent for the amendment in the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, which was moved recently in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA) after a hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi claimed the lives of 66 people so far.

According to the sources, the Raj Bhavan on Friday communicated the Governor's assent to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2024 to the State Law department.

The amendment was moved by the State Minister for Prohibition and Excise S Muthusamy in the House on June 29, to enhance the punishment term up to life imprisonment and fine up to Rs 10 lakh for offences relating to the manufacture, possession and sale of illicit liquor in the State.

According to the Tamil Nadu Prohibition (Amendment) Act 2024, if death has ensued due to consumption of illicit liquor, punishment up to rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine not less than Rs 10 lakh would be imposed.

In any other case of illicit arrack, rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than five years, which may extend to 10 years and with a fine which shall not be less than Rs 5 lakh but which may extend to Rs 10 lakh could be imposed.

The amended Act also provided for confiscating all immovable properties used in the commission of illicit liquor-related offences and sealing the unlicenced places used for the consumption of liquor.

The Prohibition Department also incorporated a revision to the amended Act which does not provide for granting bail to the accused without consulting the public prosecutor.

It may be recalled that out of the 181 Bills submitted to Governor RN Ravi, 152 have received assent, five were withdrawn by the State government, and nine were reserved for the assent of the President of India. While assent was withdrawn from another nine Bills, and five Bills received in October 2023 are under consideration.