Now, Bihar’s liquor fine for first-time offenders reduced to Rs 2,000-5,000
India Today
Bihar has reduced the fine for first-time offenders caught drinking alcohol. They will now have to pay between Rs 2,000 and 5,000.
In a fresh amendment to the prohibition law in Bihar, it was decided that those caught drinking alcohol for the first time would be released after they paid a fine. The amendment, which was passed in the Budget session of the state assembly, did not detail the fine amount.
On Monday, the state cabinet approved the new fine amount. Those caught drinking for the first time in the state will be released after paying a fine between Rs 2,000 and 5,000, as decided by the executive magistrate. Earlier, the fine was Rs 50,000 for first-time offenders, as per an amendment made in 2018.
READ: Why Bihar wants to relax punishment under prohibition law
As per the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Amendment 2022, if a first-time offender fails to pay the fine, then they can be imprisoned for a month.
Significantly, in the last few weeks, the Supreme Court has come down heavily on the state government over the prohibition law in Bihar. The Supreme Court slammed the state over piling up of liquor cases, especially those regarding bail, in the courts.
After facing flak, the state government enacted this new amendment and reduced the fine amount so that the legal system in Bihar is not overburdened with liquor cases.
The sale and consumption of alcohol were completely banned by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016, a year after the Chief Minister made a promise to the effect to women of the state.
