Karnataka Excise Officials Arrested for Allegedly Accepting Bribes
Karnataka excise officials arrested for allegedly accepting bribes to clear liquor licenses.
Photo by Elham Abdi
Senior officials of the Excise Department in Karnataka have been arrested by the Lokayukta police for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to clear liquor-related licenses. The arrested officials include Jagadeesh Naik, Excise Deputy Commissioner, and Thammanna K.M., Superintendent of Excise.
The action was taken following a complaint by Lakshminarayana, who alleged that the officials demanded ₹80 lakh as a bribe for facilitating the issuance of a CL-7 (bar) license and a microbrewery license. The Lokayukta Police laid a trap and allegedly caught the officials accepting ₹25 lakh, the first installment of the bribe.
Key Facts
Officials arrested: Excise Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Excise
Bribe demanded: ₹80 lakh for liquor licenses
Caught accepting: ₹25 lakh as first installment
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Governance, Transparency and Accountability
Linkage to Prevention of Corruption Act, Constitutional provisions related to state subjects
Potential questions on ethical governance and role of Lokayukta
Visual Insights
Location of Arrests: Karnataka Excise Department Corruption Case
Map showing the location of Karnataka, where Excise officials were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes. This highlights the geographical context of the corruption case.
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More Information
Background
The regulation of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in India has a long and complex history, deeply intertwined with social, economic, and political considerations. During British colonial rule, excise duties on alcohol were a significant source of revenue. Post-independence, the regulation of alcohol production, distribution, and sale became a state subject under the Constitution of India.
This led to diverse excise policies across different states, ranging from complete prohibition to liberal licensing regimes. The historical context also includes various social reform movements advocating for prohibition, influencing policy decisions in several states. The evolution of excise laws reflects the ongoing tension between revenue generation, public health concerns, and social values.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on transparency and accountability in excise administration across states. The use of technology, such as online licensing portals and tracking systems, is becoming increasingly common to reduce corruption and improve efficiency. Several states have also implemented stricter regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol to address public health concerns and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate on the optimal balance between revenue generation from alcohol and the social costs associated with its consumption. The future is likely to see further reforms in excise administration, driven by technological advancements, public health considerations, and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of alcohol in India: 1. The production, distribution, and sale of alcohol is a state subject under the Constitution of India. 2. The central government has the exclusive power to levy excise duties on alcoholic liquors for human consumption. 3. Complete prohibition is mandated by the Directive Principles of State Policy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as alcohol regulation is a state subject. Statement 2 is incorrect as states also levy excise duties. Statement 3 is incorrect as the DPSP only encourages prohibition.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Lokayukta in India?
- A.The Lokayukta is a constitutional body established to investigate corruption charges against public officials at the central level.
- B.The Lokayukta is a statutory body established by state governments to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level.
- C.The Lokayukta is an independent body appointed by the President of India to oversee the functioning of all government departments.
- D.The Lokayukta is a judicial body that has the power to directly prosecute corrupt public officials.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Lokayukta is a statutory body established by state governments to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level. It is not a constitutional body, nor does it have the power to directly prosecute.
3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: 1. It criminalizes both the giving and taking of bribes. 2. It applies only to public servants employed by the central government. 3. It includes provisions for the attachment and forfeiture of property acquired through corrupt means. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Act criminalizes both giving and taking bribes and includes provisions for forfeiture of property. Statement 2 is incorrect as it applies to public servants at both central and state levels.