New Delhi:
Now, getting over one litre liquor to Delhi from neighbouring areas like Gurgaon and Faridabad to save a few bucks may land you in jail with the AAP Government stepping up efforts to catch hold of defaulters.
The move is aimed at boosting revenue by plugging losses as the Delhi government loses out on tax which enriches the coffers of its neighbour Haryana.
The Delhi Government's Excise Department has formed teams to ascertain the prevalence of the practice by observing the liquor shops operating in Rohtak, Sonepat, Gurgaon and Faridabad bordering the national capital.
According to government, as per Section 33 of the existing Excise Act 2009, one cannot take more than one litre to Delhi from other states.
In violation of this section, violators can face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to 3 lakh.
"Government has now decided to strictly implement this rule. There are thousands of people who live in Delhi, but go to Haryana's areas, especially Gurgaon and Faridabad, for works.
"Unaware of excise rules, most people can get over one litre liquor to Delhi from these areas which is illegal.The rule says that vehicle be it expensive indulged in transporting over one litre liquor will be confiscated and sold in auction. Such vehicles will not be returned to
defaulters," a senior government official told PTI.
The official said that excise department will launch an extensive drive within next week and for which, various teams have been formed.
Department's officials are now making an assessment of numbers of liquor shops in Faridabad, Sonipat and Gurgaon bordering Delhi to ascertain how many persons take Haryana liquor to Delhi, officials said.
The department will soon give advertisements in newspapers informing the masses of such drive so that they would be aware of excise rules.