MADRAS HC HEARS PLEAS FOR CBI PROBE IN HOOCH TRAGEDY

Why in the news?

The Madras High Court begins final arguments on petitions seeking a CBI/SIT investigation into the 2024 Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 68 lives.

MADRAS HC HEARS PLEAS FOR CBI PROBE IN HOOCH TRAGEDY - UPSCsource:scricd

About Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy: Calls for CBI/SIT Probe

  • The Madras High Court began final arguments on petitions demanding a CBI or SIT probe into the 2024 Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which resulted in 68 deaths.
  • Senior counsel V. Raghavachari, representing AIADMK’s former MLA I.S. Inbadurai, argued that the tragedy could have been avoided if the Tamil Nadu government had invoked the Goondas Act against bootleggers.
  • He cited past hooch tragedies, such as the 1998 Hosur incident with 46 deaths, as examples of shoddy investigations by the State police leading to acquittals.
What is Hooch?

About:

  • Hooch refers to low-quality alcohol, named after the Alaskan Hoochinoo tribe known for strong liquor production.
  • Often made in unregulated, unsanitary conditions, posing health risks.
  • Lack of quality control leads to unknown alcohol content and contaminants.

Production Process:

  • Fermentation: Begins with a sugary substance like fruits, grains, or sugarcane; yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • Distillation (Optional): Increases potency by heating the fermented mixture; alcohol vapour is captured and condensed into a stronger liquid.

About Article 47 :

  • Directive Principle: Article 47 of the Indian Constitution is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • State Responsibility: It mandates the State to work towards prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs.
  • Health Focus: The prohibition is aimed at substances that are injurious to health, reflecting the State’s role in promoting public health.
  • Exception: The Article allows for the use of intoxicating substances only for medicinal purposes.
  • Public Welfare: This directive underscores the State’s responsibility to reduce substance abuse and its negative impacts on society.