Madhya Pradesh Excise Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 | 04 Aug 2021

On August 3, 2021, Madhya Pradesh Excise Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was approved to increase the fine and penalty imposed on various types of crimes with a view to discourage excise-related offenses in Madhya Pradesh.

In this, there is a provision for punishment mainly for offenses related to spurious liquor under Section 49 (A).
If a person dies due to the consumption of spurious liquor, then a provision has been made for life imprisonment or death penalty and a minimum fine of Rs 20 lakh.
The amendment bill provides for physical damage caused by consumption of adulterated liquor unfit for human use, imprisonment of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 8 years besides a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh for the first time and a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum fine up to Rs 10 lakh for the second time.
Similarly, for the detection of adulterated liquor unfit for human consumption, imprisonment for a minimum period of 6 months and maximum of 6 years and fine up to Rs 1 lakh in the first instance and minimum 6 years and maximum 10 years imprisonment for the second offense. A provision has been made for a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Any person who poses obstruction in duty or is guilty of assault under the Act may be arrested by any Excise Officer.
In order to bring Mahua based liquor into the mainstream in Madhya Pradesh, it has been decided to give it the status of heritage (traditional) liquor. Rules will be set by the department for its controlled manufacture and sale. This will encourage small-scale industries of Mahua based liquor. The rights of the tribals already provided in the Act will be preserved as they are.