The Patna High Court ruled that the state government’s ineffective implementation of its much-lauded prohibition statute has put the lives of Bihar residents in danger.
The statement was delivered by Justice Purnendu Singh’s single-judge bench, which also noted the “unfavorable effects” of the government’s “laxity,” including an increase in booze-related fatalities, drug addiction, and environmental dangers brought on by the improper destruction of seized bottles.
“Many people began exploring alternatives after the alcohol ban was implemented. Due to a lack of supervision, drugs entered the state easily due to a supply route. According to data, there were virtually no drug-related cases prior to 2015, but after that year, there has been a startling increase in these cases.
The fact that the majority of addicts are under 25 years old and as young as 10 years old is a more concerning trend. Statistics indicate that after prohibition, ganja charas/bhang addiction increased dramatically.
The court made this observation while hearing a bail plea, the contents of which were posted on the HC website. “The state has failed to suppress drug trafficking throughout Bihar,” the court stated.
Due to the state officials’ willful inaction, Bihar has also seen an increase in the manufacture and smuggling of alcohol, according to the single-member bench of Justice Purnendu Singh, who referred the case to the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court for consideration of filing a public interest lawsuit (PIL).
Hon’ble Justice Singh stated that by failing to effectively implement the provisions of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, as amended from time to time, and to protect the health, life, and liberty of the general public, the state machinery is putting the lives of its citizens at risk.
The state government was ordered by the court to develop an environmentally beneficial plan to use scientific means to dispose of the alcohol contained in the bottles.
The judge claimed that for a number of reasons, Bihar’s prohibition statute was deemed to be on the wrong side of history. Minors were hired to transport alcohol; drug use rose dramatically after the alcohol ban; and the state experienced a significant number of alcohol-related disasters that put the lives of the general public in danger.
In the wider public interest, the judge submitted the case to the Chief Justice of Patna High Court so that she may take cognizance of the situation on the court’s judicial side and start a public interest lawsuit.
