Imposition of prohibition of liquor in Bihar has posed serious logistical problems for erstwhile liquor manufacturers in the state who have to now move their entire stock out of the state or face penal action.

As per law, not only are they unable to sell their stock in the state, they cannot even keep their stock within the state’s boundaries. Hence the liquor manufacturers of Bihar have appealed to the Supreme Court for more time.

Senior advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for liquor manufacturers submitted on May 24 that they need extension of time beyond the May 31 deadline for taking their liquor stocks out of Bihar.

He also submitted that there stocks worth Rs 200 crores are at hand and this cannot be disposed off within such a short period. The new Act, Bihar Excise (amendment) Act calls for imprisonment of up to 10 years if any stock is found with beyond May 31.

The apex court will hear the plea on May 29.

—India Legal Bureau