States new excise policy provisions challenged in Madhya Pradesh HC

A was filed in theMadhya Pradesh High Courton Saturday challenging certain provisions of the State Government‘s excise policy for 2022-23 announced recently.
The petition filed by city-based social organisation Nagrik UpbhoktaMargdarshak Manchhas claimed some items, like composite shops having country-made and foreign liquor, relocation of existing shops, allowing sale of liquor in supermarkets were in violation of Constitutional provisions.

The state government had issued a notification for the excise arrangement (policy) for financial year 2022-23 on January 21.

The new policy has proposed a reduction in alcohol prices by 20% to increase sales and mop up more revenue. It has also okayed liquor sales in all Airports and select supermarkets in four big cities, while Home bar licences can be obtained by people having an annual income of over Rs 1 crore.