Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Wednesday stirred a fresh row by saying that those people who consume liquor in this country are “Mahapaapi” (Hindi for Sinners) and not Indians.
“If someone doesn't believe in the ideals of Bapu (referring to Gandhi), then we don't even consider them an Indian...they are mahaayogya (inept), mahapaapi (sinner) who doesn't even listen to the father of the nation...” CM Nitish Kumar said in the state Assembly.
Commenting on the recent deaths of people after they consumed illegal liquor (hooch), CM Nitish said that the state government is not responsible for such consequences as the individuals know that hooch is toxic and harmful to health.
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CM Nitish made these statements as the government introduced the Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Bill 2022 through which the violation of liquor ban in the state for the first timers will be made less stringent. It was successfully passed the same day.
The amendment was introduced after the state government had received criticism for an increase in the number of cases pending in the courts as well as offenders (undertrials) languishing in jails waiting for trial to commence.
Now that the amendment has passed, the first-time offender will be produced before the duty magistrate who will determine the seriousness of the issue.
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The magistrate will have the right to impose a simple fine on the offender instead of the latter’s arrest, as prescribed originally in the law.
This amendment will tweak the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act of 2016 which completely banned the sale and consumption of liquor in Bihar.
Nitish Kumar had earlier said that those people who consume liquor and do not want to come to Bihar due to prohibition do not have to come to the state.
Last year in 2021, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana criticized the law as an epitome of “lack of foresight” in creating a blueprint of the legislation as a result of which the state justice system has been heavily burdened.
