Amended Rule/Section: Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949 — Enforcement procedures against liquor licensees for breach of conditions and terms
Type of Change: Administrative Clarification / Procedural Directive (Government Resolution)
What Changed:
This Government Resolution clarifies the institutional roles and coordination procedures between Police and State Excise Department (Raushtu Vibhag) when enforcing breaches of liquor license conditions under the Prohibition Act. Previously, unclear demarcation led to inconsistent enforcement and court interventions. The Resolution now establishes that:
Primary enforcement authority: The State Excise Department is the licensing authority competent to take action against licensees for breach of conditions and terms. However, when Police detect such violations, they must immediately inform the concerned State Excise Officer and proceed as per rules.
Police role: Police are primarily responsible for investigating illegal liquor and smuggling offences. While they may encounter license condition breaches, they must notify Excise authorities rather than independently prosecute licensees.