Amendment in prohibition law possible, indicates Nitish

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who boasts the booze ban in the state as his government's top achievement, has indicated that his government may introduce some amendments in the harsh penal provisions of the prohibition law.

The state government called an all-party meeting on Tuesday over the new law. In the meeting, Kumar indicated about the possible amendment in the prohibition law. He, however, categorically stated that there would be no roll back on prohibition.

"Our main objective is to ensure strict enforcement of the prohibition law. This was the reason, we added some strict punitive provisions under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. But some people termed it as "draconian" or "talibani" legislation. Therefore, I am seeking such people how to make it non-draconian," said Kumar in the meeting.

"There must be discussions if there is a need of any amendment to the new prohibition law. You should tell us on how to make prohibition more effective," CM told the meeting.

The meeting - that was convened at the state assembly - was attended by Deputy CM and leader of RJD legislative party Tejaswi Yadav, finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui, leader of opposition Prem Kumar and several other legislators.

Opposition leaders charged the state government for creating "an atmosphere of fear" by bringing in a draconian law. BJP leaders suggested that the state government should reduce the quantum of punishment for prohibition-related crime as it is harsher than serious crimes such as rape and murder.

Cutting across party lines, leaders raised concerns about the presumptive part of the law. They also suggested that the provisions regarding about arrest of all adult family members if liquor is found in the house and confiscation of property where liquor crime has been committed, must be scrapped. Leaders also opposed the community punishments.

Sources have confirmed that the state government is "actively working" on an amendment bill in the upcoming winter session of the state assembly, which is scheduled to begin on Friday. The grand alliance government - completed its first in office on Sunday - has listed prohibition as its top achievement in its report card.

The Patna High Court on September 30 quashed the April 5 state notification of the state government, which bans consumption and sale of alcohol in the state saying it ultra vires to the constitution. The state government moved the apex court, which stayed the HC order on October 7. Meanwhile, Nitish government notified the new prohibition law on October 2.

Earlier this month, the state government sought people's reaction on the new law after the constant criticism of the law from legal and social luminaries. A total of 1,122 came through phone calls, SMSs, emails and letters. Last week, Kumar met a select group of lawyers, doctors, journalists and retired bureaucrats and received their suggestions.