Liquor ban in Bihar
Introduction
The liquor ban in Bihar is one of the most debated public policy decisions in contemporary Indian governance. Rooted in the Gandhian philosophy that viewed alcohol consumption as a social evil rather than a mere personal choice, the idea of prohibition has long influenced India’s constitutional and political thinking. This approach found constitutional recognition in Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which urges the State to work towards the prohibition of intoxicating drinks harmful to health.
Several Indian states have experimented with liquor prohibition at different points in time, with mixed outcomes. While some states abandoned prohibition due to revenue losses, illicit liquor trade, and enforcement failures, others have continued to view it as a tool for social reform. In this context, Bihar’s decision to impose a complete liquor ban in April 2016 marked a significant shift in state policy, aimed primarily at improving public health, reducing domestic violence, and addressing social problems linked to alcohol consumption.
Initially, the Bihar liquor prohibition policy appeared to deliver certain social gains, particularly in terms of reduced alcohol availability and increased public support from women’s groups. However, over time, challenges such as the rise of illicit liquor trade, deaths due to spurious alcohol, loss of state revenue, and a heavy burden on the judiciary have raised serious questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the ban. Therefore, an objective assessment of the liquor ban in Bihar, its constitutional basis, impact, challenges, and future course of action is essential for understanding its role in governance and public policy.
Indian Constitution’s View of Alcohol
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Article 47):
- It mentions that “in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.”
- While DPSPs are not in themselves legally enforceable, they set goals that the state should aspire towards to establish conditions under which citizens can lead a good life.
- Thus, alcohol is seen by the Constitution and by extension, the Indian state, as an undesirable evil that needs to be regulated.
Seventh Schedule:
- According to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, alcohol is a state subject, i.e., state legislatures have the right and responsibility to draft laws regarding it, including “the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors.”
- Thus, laws regarding alcohol differ from state to state, falling in the whole spectrum between prohibition and private sale.
Reason that Not all States have Banned Alcohol
- While the Constitution sets prohibition on alcohol as a goal, for most states, it is very difficult to declare a ban on alcohol.
- This is primarily because liquor revenues are not easy to ignore and have consistently contributed a large share of state governments’ revenue. For instance, in Maharashtra, state liquor revenues amounted to Rs 11,000 crore in April 2020 (during the nationwide Covid lockdown), compared with Rs 17,000 crore in March.
Pros of Liquor Ban in Bihar
Decline in Domestic Violence and Crimes against Women
After the liquor ban in Bihar (2016), official crime data showed a decline in crimes against women, particularly domestic violence. NCRB data indicated a reduction in both incidence and crime rate (per 1 lakh female population) in the initial years of prohibition. Alcohol was a major trigger in household violence, and its reduced availability helped create safer domestic environments. This outcome explains why women’s groups strongly supported the ban.
Improvement in Household Savings and Welfare
Studies and field reports from Bihar indicated that poor households earlier spent 10–20% of their monthly income on alcohol. After prohibition, this expenditure reduced significantly. Families redirected savings towards food, education, healthcare, and children’s needs. Women reported better nutrition levels and improved school attendance among children, especially in rural areas.
Public Health Gains and Reduced Alcohol Consumption
The liquor ban led to a sharp fall in legal alcohol consumption in Bihar. Government data showed a decline in alcohol-related hospital admissions in the early years of prohibition. Reduced consumption helped lower risks of liver disease, addiction, and alcohol-induced accidents. From a preventive health perspective, the policy aligned with Article 47 of the Constitution.
Social and Political Empowerment of Women
The Bihar liquor ban was largely driven by grassroots women’s movements, particularly through self-help groups and local protests. This strengthened women’s participation in public policy and governance. The ban gave political recognition to women’s lived experiences of alcohol-related abuse. It also reinforced the idea of gender-sensitive policymaking in Bihar.
Symbolic Commitment to Social Reform over Revenue
By enforcing prohibition, Bihar willingly gave up liquor revenue, which earlier contributed around ₹4,000–5,000 crore annually to the state exchequer. This demonstrated a policy choice prioritising social welfare over fiscal gains. The move reflected Gandhian ideals of moral governance and reinforced the state’s role in protecting vulnerable sections from social harm.
Cons of Liquor Ban in Bihar
Strengthen Organised Crime Groups:
- Prohibition creates opportunities for a thriving underground economy that distributes liquor, outside the regulatory framework of the state.
- This creates its own problems, from strengthening organised crime groups (or mafias) to the distribution of spurious liquor.
- In the case of Bihar, it was reported that a year after prohibition was enforced, there was a spike in substance abuse.
- While the government made liquor more inaccessible, it is impossible to take it out of circulation completely.
Affects Poorer Sections of Society:
- Liquor ban in Bihar disproportionately affects poorer sections of society with upper classes still being able to procure expensive (and safe) alcohol.
- In Bihar, most of the cases registered under its prohibition laws are related to illicit or low-quality liquor consumption.
Burden on Judiciary:
- Bihar introduced complete prohibition in April 2016. While it certainly has led to reduction in alcohol consumption, the related social, economic, and administrative costs have been far too much to justify gains. Prohibition crippled the judicial administration.
- The former NV CJI Ramana had stated that decisions like the liquor ban in Bihar put a huge burden on courts. As of 2021, there are three lakh cases pending in the courts related to liquor ban.
Way Forward
A Nuanced Approach is Needed:
- There is a need for a nuanced approach that integrates the regulation of alcohol production and sale without compromising the requirements of public health.
- The goal of an effective and sustainable alcohol policy can only be achieved through coordinated action between multiple stakeholders, such as women’s groups and vendors.
Regulating Liquor:
- On the regulation side, the rules on drunken driving and liquor advertisements can be tightened, and compulsory labelling on the dangers of excessive drinking can be mandated.
- On the advisory side, developed nations have adopted behavioural counselling, educating their people on the consequences of excessive liquor intake. Such campaigns help people make educated choices about their lifestyles.
Conclusion
The liquor ban in Bihar reflects the state’s commitment to social welfare, public health, and women’s empowerment. While the policy has contributed to reduced domestic violence, improved household savings, and greater social awareness, its long-term success depends on effective enforcement and complementary reforms. A balanced approach that safeguards public health while addressing implementation challenges is essential to make prohibition sustainable and effective.
BPSC Mains Practice Questions: Liquor Ban in Bihar
Q1. The liquor ban in Bihar reflects a conflict between social reform objectives and governance challenges. Critically analyse the impact of liquor prohibition on public health, social welfare, state finances, and law and order in Bihar.
Q2. Article 47 of the Constitution provides a moral basis for prohibition, but its implementation raises practical concerns. Examine the constitutional justification and administrative challenges of the liquor ban in Bihar.
Q3. Liquor prohibition in Bihar has had a gendered impact on society. Discuss how the liquor ban in Bihar has influenced women’s safety, household welfare, and social empowerment.
Q4. Complete prohibition is neither economically nor administratively sustainable. In light of Bihar’s experience, suggest a balanced policy approach towards alcohol regulation.
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