The Supreme Court has directed the Punjab government to continue to take action to stop the manufacture and transportation of illicit home-made liquor and operation of illegal “bhattis” (distilleries) in the state.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar reiterated that the local police shall be held responsible if any illegal “bhatti” is found operating within their jurisdiction.
The State of Punjab is directed to continue the steps to stop the illegal manufacture and transportation of spurious liquor and stop the illegal bhattis. As reported earlier, the local police shall be held responsible if any illegal bhatti in their area is found. The state is directed to act accordingly,” the bench said.
With regard to earlier incidents of people dying after consuming spurious liquor, the apex court noted that seven FIRs were filed with respect to three incidents in three districts.
In all those cases, after the investigation, the accused were arrested and charge-sheeted and the trial is going on,” the apex court noted and said no further order is required in the matter.
The top court had earlier voiced concern over the burgeoning illicit liquor trade and drug menace in Punjab, and asked the state government to fix responsibility on the local police for failing to keep a vigil.
We are not concerned with the A government or B government. As far as Punjab is concerned, the drug problem is increasing. The youth will be finished. It is very unfortunate that this is happening. Who is the sufferer? The poor people.
