PIL On Inaction Against 'Illicit Liquor Trade': Madhya Pradesh HC Directs Indore Excise Commissioner To Decide Representation In 4 Weeks

The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Excise Commissioner, Indore to take a decision on a representation regarding inaction against liquor merchants for carrying alleged illicit trade of liquor in Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts.

The division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Rusia observed, “The petitioner has made representation dated 27.11.2024 to the Commissioner, Excise, Indore Division, Indore, however, there is no response from the said authority. Accordingly, we hereby dispose of the present petition directing the Commissioner, Excise, Indore Division, Indore to take decision on the representation dated 27.11.2024 within four weeks from today and decision so taken thereon shall be communicated to the petitioner within one week thereafter.”

The PIL petition sought action against liquor merchants alleging that they were carrying on "illicit trade" of liquor against the established procedure of law in Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts.

Further, it  alleged that small and young children have been involved in such business, thus, infringing the provisions of Prohibition of Child Labour Act. Moreover, people who tried to report such acts were subjected to physical assaults and life threats, the petitioner said. The petitioner had also made multiple applications to the respondent authorities, still no action has been taken against the private respondents/liquor merchants till date.

It alleged that the liquor merchants were taking advantage of the people coming belonging to 'backward' and 'vulnerable' groups in the three regions, enticing the women, children and young generation of these groups by giving them money. In doing so the merchants were involving such people in the illicit trade and business of liquor which is adversely impacting the social picture of the said region, the plea stated. 

It also alleged that the petitioner had applied under the Right to Information Act multiple times regarding the investigation or enquiry conducted in the matter of illicit trade of liquor but the same had been refused to the petitioner on multiple occasions.

Thus, the petitioner prayed before the court to direct the respondent authorities to take action against the respondent liquor merchants for illicit trade of liquor and proper registration of offence if any made out against them.

Disposing of the matter the court also said, “If the petitioner is still aggrieved by the decision so taken by the said authority, he may challenge the same before the appropriate forum, in accordance with law". 

Case Title: Mathiyas Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 41567 Of 2024

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 23

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