In what led to a major uproar, Sri Muktsar Sahib District Deputy Commissioner M.K. Aravind Kumar on Wednesday ordered to publicize the government order on home delivery of liquor at religious places. The order was withdrawn within a few hours after it sparked an outrage with the Shiromani Akali Dal seeking stern action against those trying to tarnish the sanctity of Gurdwaras.
In his order, the DC had directed that the government circular on home delivery of liquor should be put up at the offices district magistrate, police commissioner, tahsildars and sub-divisional magistrates. “The same shall also be announced through public announcement systems and loud speakers of religious places,” the order had further said.
The order led to a major uproar with many accusing the state government and district authorities of violating the sanctity of religious places like Gurudwaras for 'evident' hunger of liquor revenue.
“We strongly condemn the orders. They are shameful and amount to sacrilege of all religious places. The chief minister needs to withdraw them with immediate effect and take strict action against the offenders,” said Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, official spokesperson, SAD.
The state had ordered home delivery of liquor during the lockdown amid a standoff with the liquor contractors. The delivery service, available in non-containment areas, will allow a maximum of two liters of alcohol at one address, though Punjab Made Liquor (PML) has been exempted from the cap.
The deputy commissioners have been given a free hand in deciding the timing of the delivery. The government has mandated 50 per cent of licence fee by the liquor vends before starting of operations.
