[Death By Spurious Liquor In Punjab] High Court Seeks Response From Centre, State On Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Matter, Role Of Officials

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought a response from the Union and State Governments on pleas seeking CBI enquiry or judicial probe into the selling of spurious liquor which allegedly caused the deaths of its consumers in Punjab.

It is stated that 21 people died in March due to the spurious liquor which is easily available and is being sold illegally allegedly in connivance with the Police and Excise Officials in Punjab's Sangrur.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji issued a notice to the Union and State Government among other authorities.

Two Public Interest Litigations were filed seeking an investigation into the selling of spurious liquor and the death caused by it.

A plea filed by advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh, sought direction to the Government to locate and destroy 'Illegal Bhathis' manufacturing 'spurious liquor' in the territory of Punjab and take action against the persons owning such illegal bhathis or manufacturing from homes.

It also sought directions to pay reasonable compensation to the families of deceased persons, who have lost their lives, allegedly due to the failure of government authorities to take steps to stop the illegal manufacture and transportation of spurious liquor in the State. 

Another petition was filed by Bikramjit Singh Bajwa, a resident of Punjab, stating that despite the enforcement of a code of conduct and the upcoming parliamentary elections, culprits are being given a free hand to sell spurious liquor with ulterior motives.

The plea alleges that it was the third major incident in Punjab in which several people have died, and neither the culprits had been brought to book nor had the police been able to break down the nexus of gangs who are selling spurious liquor without any fear of the government.

The matter is listed for May 22, for further consideration.

Title: Bikramjit Singh Bajwa v. State of Punjab & Ors.

 Kanwar Pahul Singh v. UOI & Ors.