Kalluvathukkal Hooch Tragedy Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail To Two Convicts

The Supreme Court granted bail to Vinod Kumar and Manikantan, who were serving their sentence following their conviction in Kalluvathukkal Hooch Tragedy case that killed over 30 people in the year 2000.

In 2011, the Court had dismissed the appeals filed by the convicts in this case. Two months ago, their wives approached the Apex Court seeking their premature release in July, this year.

The court had issued notice to the state on 9th July. Later, the State submitted before the court that a State Advisory Committee was constituted and that it recommended their premature release. The court, on 6th September, thus directed the Government to take expeditious decision in the matter.

When the matter was taken up today, the state sought further time in the matter.  The court noted that no satisfactory explanation has been given as to why the State Government was unable to take final decision on the proposal within two weeks from 06.09.2021.

"As a result, we have no other option, but to direct the release of the petitioners' husband [Vinod Kumar (Prisoner No. C 2509) and Manikantan (Prisoner No. C 703)] on bail, during the pendency of the writ petition. They should be released forthwith on bail on conditions as may be imposed by the Trial Court and not later than 48 hours from passing of this order", the bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and CT Ravikumar ordered while listing the petition after six weeks.

The case against the accused was that they mixed methyl alcohol which is a poisonous substance with Ethyl alcohol and thereafter with toddy and other essences resulting in a drink called Kalapani.  This was sold it through their outlets because of which people died due to consumption of spurious liquor. 

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