Owners may face legal action if premises are knowingly used for liquor sale, storage or distribution
The Mokokchung Police have cautioned house owners, landlords and owners of commercial premises against knowingly allowing their properties to be used for the illegal sale, storage or distribution of liquor, warning that legal action may follow where their involvement or knowledge is established.
The warning was issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, in view of what it described as the ongoing intensive enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 (NLTP Act).
According to the public notice issued by Sr Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo, owners and occupiers of premises may be liable for action under the NLTP Act if they knowingly permit their properties to be used for offences under the Act.
The police have advised house owners and landlords to exercise vigilance over the use of rented premises and, on receiving credible information that a tenant or occupant is involved in the illegal sale or storage of liquor, to immediately inform the nearest police station, Excise authority, Ward authority or Village Council.
The notice stated that where an investigation establishes that a house owner, landlord, tenant or occupier knowingly permitted, facilitated or abetted the use of a premises for illegal liquor activities, appropriate legal action would be initiated under the relevant provisions of the NLTP Act.
The police have also issued a specific warning concerning adulterated or spurious liquor. Where such liquor is knowingly manufactured, stored, supplied, sold, distributed or facilitated and causes serious injury or death, a separate criminal case may be registered and investigated under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable laws.
The notice clarified that action against owners, landlords, tenants, sellers, suppliers or others involved in such activities would be based on evidence collected during investigation.
Ward Unions, Village Councils and civil society organisations have been asked to disseminate the notice and extend cooperation towards the enforcement of prohibition and prevention of further loss of life in the district.
