Shimla, Sep 5 (Reporter) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday passed an amendment to the Excise Act, 2011, introducing more stringent provisions to curb illicit liquor manufacturing and trade. A Collector or District Magistrate can now order confiscation of property of offenders under the new provisions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the amendment for discussion, emphasizing the need to address rising challenges related to the illicit liquor trade. The Chief Minister highlighted that the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act of 2011 was designed to regulate the production, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. However, with increasing cases of illicit manufacturing and consumption, it has become necessary to enhance penalties and streamline enforcement procedures. The amended provisions aim to improve the effectiveness of investigations and trials related to excise offences. Key amendments were made to 13 sections of the Act, including Sections 2, 26, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 53, 66, 67, and 68. The revised Act includes an increase in penalties for various offences, with fines ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. One of the major changes in Section 41(e) allows the government to confiscate property acquired illegally through the illicit liquor trade. It prohibits individuals from holding such property, and if district magistrates or collectors find illegally acquired assets, these will be vested in the state government, free from all encumbrances. The amendments also introduce harsher penalties for offences such as selling liquor to minors, employing minors in liquor-related activities, unlawful production and sale, and mixing harmful substances with liquor. Additionally, stricter punishments have been imposed on license holders or their servants for fraudulent activities, with all offences now classified as cognizable, meaning arrests can be made without a warrant. The government aims to use these measures to curb the menace of illicit liquor manufacturing and ensure a more robust enforcement framework to tackle the growing issues related to liquor abuse in the state...////...