Supreme Court Flags Rise in Hooch Deaths in Gujarat Amid Liquor Ban

Gujarat’s prohibition on alcohol, in place for decades, has not prevented a series of tragic incidents involving illicitly brewed liquor, commonly known as hooch. In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court highlighted these deaths, underscoring the growing public‑health crisis despite the ban.
The court was informed of several cases where consumption of unregulated liquor led to severe poisoning and multiple fatalities. While exact figures were not disclosed, the pattern points to a recurring problem that authorities have struggled to contain.
State officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing the prohibition, ordering raids on illegal distilleries and tightening monitoring of supply chains. However, the court’s remarks suggest that current measures may be insufficient to curb the clandestine production and distribution of harmful alcohol.
Health experts warn that hooch often contains toxic contaminants such as methanol, which can cause blindness, organ failure, or death. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to prompt a coordinated response that combines law‑enforcement action with public awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of life.