Anti-Prohibition Reform Bill passed in Gujarat Assembly

Gandhinagar : The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has passed a significant amendment to the state’s anti- prohibition law, empowering authorities to seize and repurpose vehicles involved in liquor smuggling before a final court verdict is issued.

Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, who introduced the bill, stated that the move targets the growing sophistication of bootleggers using technology to evade law enforcement. He noted that over 22,000 vehicles, seized in connection with liquor smuggling, are currently lying unused across police stations, causing clutter and environmental issues.

“These vehicles represent a loss of national property if left to deteriorate,” Sanghvi said, emphasizing that the proceeds from auctioning these vehicles would be redirected towards public welfare and the upliftment of the middle class. He also assured that should an accused be acquitted by the Supreme Court, they would receive compensation for their vehicle, with a 5% annual interest rate included as rent.

The bill faced opposition from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Hemant Khawa, who criticized the implementation of the state’s prohibition laws. Khawa argued that despite the ban, liquor is being delivered to homes with the ease of a food delivery service. He also raised concerns about the increasing number of drug seizures in the state, questioning the effectiveness of the current enforcement measures.

Despite tte objections, the bill was passed with a majority vote, signaling the state government’s commitment to enhancing its fight against narcotics and liquor smuggling.