Monsoon Session: Ruling alliance may face grand divide on new excise law

Patna,(BiharTimes): As the government is all set to table the Excise Act (Amendment) 2016 Bill in the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly, which is to start from Friday, it is likely to face opposition from some members of the RJD and Congress. Even some JD(U) legislators have their strong reservation, but are not speaking on the issue.

The BJP and several legal luminaries of the state have already opposed the proposed Bill and called it untenable.

RJD MLA Bhai Virendra and Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmed have openly expressed their views over the proposed Bill. Several other legislators, even of JD(U) feel that the new law is too strict.

Seeking review Bhai Virendra said the Bill would instil fear among the poor, the most vulnerable section when it comes to likely misuse of the law.

On the other hand Shakeel Ahmed said specialists should have been consulted and people should have been taken into confidence before drafting such a Bill.

"Whenever a harsh law is brought in for the betterment of society, there is always a larger consultation," he said. According to the Bill, the draft of which was approved by the state cabinet three days back, adult family members of anyone found guilty of violating prohibition can face prison terms of up to 10 years for complicity.

In May, the Patna High Court ruled that possession of liquor bottles was not illegal and had ordered the government to unseal the house where a liquor trader had stocked Indian Made Foreign Liquor. This had caused major embarrassment to the government, after which it decided to make the law strict.Though several Grand Alliance leaders have voiced their opposition yet it is to be seen what stand the RJD and Congress take on the floor of the Assembly and Council.

Monsoon Session: Ruling alliance may face grand divide on new excise law

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