The Punjab & Haryana High Court has requested a response from both the Union and State Governments regarding petitions calling for a CBI investigation or judicial inquiry into the sale of counterfeit liquor. These petitions claim that the consumption of this liquor resulted in fatalities among consumers in Punjab.

It is reported that in March, 21 individuals lost their lives due to counterfeit liquor, which is readily accessible and being unlawfully sold, purportedly in collusion with the Police and Excise Officials in Sangrur, Punjab.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji has issued a notice to the Union and State Governments, along with other relevant authorities. This action follows the filing of two Public Interest Litigations requesting an investigation into the illegal sale of counterfeit liquor and the resulting fatalities.

Advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh filed a plea seeking a directive for the government to identify and dismantle 'Illegal Bhathis' producing 'counterfeit liquor' within Punjab's jurisdiction. The plea also calls for action against individuals involved in owning such illegal bhathis or manufacturing liquor on residential premises.

Additionally, the plea also requested directives to provide reasonable compensation to the families of deceased individuals who lost their lives purportedly due to the government authorities' failure to intervene and prevent the illegal production and distribution of counterfeit liquor within the state.

The plea alleges that it was the third major incident in Punjab in which several people have died, and neither the culprits had been brought to book nor had the police been able to break down the nexus of gangs who are selling spurious liquor without any fear of the government.

The matter is listed for May 22, for further consideration.

Title: Bikramjit Singh Bajwa v. State of Punjab & Ors.

Kanwar Pahul Singh v. UOI & Ors.