The Bill provides for a fine of Rs5,000 instead of current Rs200 for consuming alcohol at public place.
After a long delay, Delhi government today finally tabled a bill in the Assembly which seeks to bring in a regime of more stringent punishment for all liquor-related offences, including enhanced fine for consuming alcohol at public places.
The Delhi Excise Bill provides for a fine of Rs5,000 instead of current Rs200 for consuming alcohol at public place and if the offender creates nuisance than the fine would be upto Rs10,000 with a jail term of three months.
The bill, if passed by the House, will replace the Punjab Excise Act 1914, provision of which was extended to Delhi in 1939. It was tabled by finance minister AK Walia.
All offences punishable under this proposed Act with imprisonment of two years and more shall be non-bailable and the provisions of the code of criminal procedures with respect to non-bailable offence will apply to those offences.
In case somebody is found allowing assembly of anti-social elements on the premises of liquor establishment, then as per the provision of the bill the offender will face imprisonment upto six months and a fine of Rs50,000.
The bill also seeks to enhance punishment for those selling denatured spirit. It proposes a jail term between two to five years and a fine of upto two lakh for those selling illicit liquor.
A senior official said stricter punishments have been proposed in the bill to deter people from consuming alcohol at public places. The bill also provides for very strict punishment for those involved in mixing noxious drug or ingredient in liquor.
If as a result of such an act, death is caused then the offender may face death sentence or life imprisonment along with a penalty of upto Rs10 lakh.
The bill says if someone is grievously hurt as a result of such act, then the offender may face imprisonment not less than six years which could be extended to life imprisonment.
As per the bill, if any person, after having been previously convicted of an offence punishable under the new Act, subsequently commits any offence and is convicted than he will be liable to double the punishment provided for the first conviction.
The bill also provides for appointment of an Excise Commissioner who will have power to regulate the manufacture, possession, import, export, sell and consumption of liquor.
The government has been working on the bill for the last couple of years. The bill was sent to the Centre for approval.
Walia said better compliance of the proposed Act will result in substantial increase in excise revenue.
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