12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Bihar Liquor Ban: 1.6 Million Arrests, 4.5 Crore Liters Seized

Bihar Minister reports 1.6 million arrests, 4.5 crore liters liquor seized since prohibition.

Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary reported that since prohibition was imposed in the state, over 4.5 crore liters of liquor have been confiscated and 16 lakh people have been arrested in the last nine years. He was responding to concerns raised in the Bihar Legislative Council about increasing addiction among children, specifically the use of thinners and adhesives. From 2016 to December 31, 2025, 10 lakh cases have been registered, 1.6 lakh vehicles seized, and significant quantities of ganja, opium, charas, and cough syrup have been confiscated.

Key Facts

Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary reported the figures.

The data spans from 2016 to December 31, 2025.

Concerns were raised in the Bihar Legislative Council about increasing addiction among children.

MLC Ravindra Prasad Singh highlighted the issue of children using thinners and adhesives for addiction.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Connects to syllabus areas of Directive Principles of State Policy, federalism, and social justice.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical mains questions on the effectiveness of prohibition.

Visual Insights

Bihar Liquor Ban: Key Statistics (2016-2025)

Key statistics related to the Bihar liquor ban from 2016 to December 31, 2025, as reported by Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary.

Total Arrests: 1.6 Million
Liquor Seized: 4.5 Crore Liters
Cases Registered: 10 Lakh
Vehicles Seized: 1.6 Lakh

More Information

Background

The concept of prohibition, or banning the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol, has a long and varied history across the world. In India, the idea of prohibition is rooted in Gandhian philosophy, which advocates for abstinence from alcohol as a means of social reform. This philosophy influenced the inclusion of Article 47 in the Indian Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy that directs the State to endeavor to bring about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health. Several states in India have experimented with prohibition at different times. Some states have implemented total prohibition, while others have opted for partial prohibition or regulated alcohol sales. The success of these policies has varied, with some states facing challenges such as the rise of illicit liquor trade and loss of revenue. The implementation of prohibition often involves enacting specific state laws and setting up enforcement mechanisms to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol. These laws often include penalties for violations, such as fines and imprisonment. The legal framework surrounding prohibition in India is primarily governed by state laws, as alcohol is a state subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, the central government can also play a role in regulating the production and distribution of alcohol through various legislations. The enforcement of prohibition laws typically involves the state police and excise departments, who are responsible for detecting and prosecuting offenders. The effectiveness of prohibition policies often depends on the level of enforcement and the cooperation of the public.

Latest Developments

The Bihar liquor ban, implemented in 2016, continues to be a subject of debate and scrutiny. While the state government maintains that the prohibition has led to positive social outcomes, such as a reduction in domestic violence and improved health indicators, critics argue that it has fueled the illegal liquor trade and overburdened the state's judicial system. The recent report of 1.6 million arrests and the seizure of 4.5 crore liters of liquor highlights the scale of enforcement efforts and the persistence of illegal alcohol consumption.

Several other states in India have also been grappling with the issue of alcohol prohibition. Some states have considered implementing similar bans, while others have opted for alternative approaches, such as stricter regulation of alcohol sales and increased awareness campaigns. The debate over prohibition often involves balancing the potential social benefits with the economic costs and the practical challenges of enforcement. The effectiveness of prohibition policies also depends on factors such as public support, cross-border cooperation, and the availability of alternative sources of income for those involved in the alcohol trade.

Looking ahead, the future of prohibition in Bihar and other states will likely depend on a combination of factors, including political will, public opinion, and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. Some experts have suggested exploring alternative approaches, such as harm reduction strategies and targeted interventions, to address the social and health problems associated with alcohol consumption. The ongoing debate over prohibition underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of this issue and the need for evidence-based policies that are tailored to the specific context of each state.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Bihar liquor ban, particularly the numbers, that are important for the Prelims exam?

For the Prelims exam, remember these key numbers related to the Bihar liquor ban: 1.6 million arrests, 4.5 crore liters of liquor seized, and 10 lakh cases registered between 2016 and December 31, 2025. These figures highlight the scale of the prohibition's impact.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the magnitude of the numbers rather than the exact figures. For example, 'millions of arrests' and 'crores of liters'.

2. What is the constitutional basis related to prohibition in India, and how does the Bihar liquor ban connect to it?

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, encourages the state to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs that are injurious to health. The Bihar liquor ban is an example of a state government attempting to implement this directive principle, although its effectiveness is debated.

Exam Tip

Remember that Article 47 is a Directive Principle, meaning it's not legally enforceable but serves as a guideline for state policy.

3. Why is the Bihar liquor ban in the news recently?

The Bihar liquor ban is in the news due to the recent report by Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, highlighting the large number of arrests (1.6 million) and liquor seizures (4.5 crore liters) since its implementation. This has sparked renewed debate about its effectiveness and social impact.

4. What are the potential pros and cons of the Bihar liquor ban, as a topic for the UPSC personality test?

Potential pros include reduced domestic violence and improved health outcomes, as argued by the state government. Cons include the growth of the illegal liquor trade, overburdening the judicial system, and potential loss of revenue for the state. A balanced answer acknowledging both sides is crucial.

5. What are the important dates to remember regarding the Bihar liquor ban?

The key dates to remember are 2016, when the prohibition was implemented, and December 31, 2025, which is the end date for the reported data on liquor confiscation and arrests. These dates provide a timeframe for understanding the scope and duration of the ban's impact.

6. What concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the Bihar liquor ban, especially concerning children?

Concerns have been raised in the Bihar Legislative Council about increasing addiction among children, specifically the use of thinners and adhesives as substitutes for alcohol. MLC Ravindra Prasad Singh highlighted this issue, suggesting that the ban may have unintended consequences on vulnerable populations.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act: 1. The act was implemented in 2016. 2. According to recent reports, 1.6 million arrests have been made under this act. 3. The act allows for capital punishment for repeat offenders involved in the manufacturing of illicit liquor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act was indeed implemented in 2016. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The news summary explicitly mentions that 1.6 million people have been arrested since prohibition was imposed. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The act does NOT allow for capital punishment. While it has stringent penalties, capital punishment is not one of them.

2. Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) is most closely related to the concept of alcohol prohibition?

A.Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid
B.Article 43: Living wage, etc., for workers
C.Article 47: Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health
D.Article 48: Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry

Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavor to bring about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health. This DPSP directly relates to the concept of alcohol prohibition as a measure to improve public health.

3. In the context of the Bihar liquor ban, consider the following statements: 1. Alcohol is a subject listed in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 2. The Bihar government's decision to ban liquor is an example of exercising its power under the State List. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Alcohol is a subject listed in the State List, not the Union List, of the Seventh Schedule. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Bihar government's decision to ban liquor is indeed an example of exercising its power under the State List, as states have the authority to legislate on matters related to alcohol.