State Excise Policies And Alcohol Prohibition In India: Legal Challenges And Socio-Economic Implications
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 15
- 1 min read
Jalaj Vaid, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University
Anuj Sethi, Assistant Prof., Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University
ABSTRACT
The place of alcohol regulation in India is a special role in the constitutional and socioeconomic system of the country. Alcohol consumption has not been banned in the country but individual states have the right to enact excise laws and prohibition policies in the constitutional plan. This has led to the different forms of regulation that include outright ban in other states like Gujarat and Bihar and also through regulated regulation and taxation in other states. This paper discusses the state excise policy and the policy of alcohol prohibition in India particularly focusing on the legal issues, constitutional aspects and socio-economic aspects that have been brought about by these policies. It examines the relationship between Article 47 of the Constitution, the issue of health, collection of revenue and the freedom of the individual. The paper also assesses how prohibition affected crime, illegal liquor business, the wellbeing of the women, labor, and the national budgets. The legally related reaction to the prohibition laws, as well as the changing policy framework is also critically discussed. The paper aims to evaluate the hypothesis of whether total prohibition is a useful legal tool or whether the controlled consumption is a more prudent solution to the Indian society by taking a doctrinal and analytical approach.
