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 and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq suggested that solatium should be reserved for victims of accidents, not for those committing illegal acts for pleasure.
This viewpoint, however, oversimplifies a complex issue. Consuming illicit liquor is not merely an act of seeking pleasure; it is often a desperate attempt to numb oneself to the harsh realities of life. Poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and various forms of violence and suppression drive individuals to seek solace in alcohol. For many, the choice of illicit liquor over state-controlled alcohol is a matter of affordability, driven by dire economic circumstances.
The families left behind are not criminals; they are victims of systemic failures. The administrative duty to curb the production and distribution of illicit liquor has been grossly neglected. Repeated pleas to officials to stop the brewing and selling of spurious liquor have fallen on deaf ears, leading to tragedies like the one in Kallakurichi.
Investment in prevention is sorely lacking. Ensuring the availability of safe, regulated alcohol and addressing the root causes that push individuals toward illicit liquor are crucial steps that need to be taken. It's not enough to punish those who fall victim to these circumstances; proactive measures must be implemented to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
Moreover, the argument that those consuming illicit liquor should not be treated as victims disregards the broader societal context. These individuals often resort to alcohol to cope with immense stress and suffering. Instead of stigmatizing them, we need to provide support and create environments where they do not feel the need to turn to dangerous substances.
Families who have lost their breadwinners to illicit liquor are left with a void that no amount of compensation can fill. Their suffering is compounded by the judgment and lack of empathy from society and the state. It is essential to recognize their plight and address the systemic issues that contribute to such tragedies. Only then can we hope to prevent similar incidents in the future and truly support those affected by these devastating losses.
The fight against illicit liquor requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement of laws, better regulation of alcohol sales, and comprehensive social support systems. By addressing these issues, we can move towards a society where tragedies like the one in Kallakurichi become a thing of the past.
A similar stance was taken by the Chief Minister of Bihar, where compensation to victims of spurious alcohol was initially denied based on the logic that the government does not want to encourage people to drink illicit alcohol, especially since prohibition laws are in place. This raises further questions about the balance between legal enforcement and compassionate governance, and whether denying compensation truly serves the intended purpose of deterring illegal alcohol consumption.