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Showing posts from July, 2024

What Crime Have These Families Committed? .....

In politics and administration, the touchstone of leadership is compassion. This quality was displayed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar when he announced ₹4 lakh as ex gratia for the families of those who died after consuming spurious liquor in the state. Despite the tragic deaths of over 26 people in East Champaran district, Kumar initially declared that no compensation would be given, emphasizing that those who consume alcohol “will die” and urging against drinking. However, the pressing human dimension of the crisis prompted him to extend assistance to every affected family.  In parallel, the recent tragedy in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi saw over 40 women widowed due to their husbands consuming methanol-laced illicit liquor.  The Madras High Court questioned the Tamil Nadu government's decision to award ₹10 lakh as ex gratia to these families, expressing concerns that such compensation might encourage the consumption of illicit liquor. Acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan an...