Liquor Ban Possible in Panvel’s Kharghar if Legal Procedure is Followed: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar clarified in the Assembly that municipal corporations cannot impose a liquor ban merely through a resolution, but ward-wise prohibition in areas like Kharghar in Panvel could be pursued if citizens formally follow the process specified in government rules.

In response to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Prashant Thakur, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar informed the Maharashtra Assembly that under existing legal provisions, local bodies such as municipal corporations lack the authority to unilaterally ban liquor sales based on general resolutions passed in civic meetings.

Instead, Pawar explained that a specific procedure, outlined in government notifications from 2008 and 2009, must be followed to initiate prohibition at the ward level. According to these rules, if at least 25% of registered voters or women voters in a municipal ward submit a formal written representation requesting prohibition, the district collector is obligated to organise a secret ballot. If over 50% of the voters or women voters in the ward then vote in favour of banning liquor sales, authorities must proceed to cancel existing liquor licences within that ward.

“There is no direct provision allowing municipal corporations to cancel liquor licences simply through a general resolution. However, if citizens present a representation as per the notified procedure, appropriate steps will be taken,” Pawar clarified.

Addressing concerns about the growing number of liquor outlets in residential zones, the Deputy CM noted that while no new liquor licences have been issued in Maharashtra since 1972, transfers of existing licences are allowed under certain regulated conditions, particularly in areas that have transitioned from gram panchayats to municipal corporations.

Pawar also spoke about the broader social implications of alcohol consumption. “Personally, I feel nobody should drink. But ultimately, people have the right to make that choice. Some districts have enforced prohibition, but there are reports suggesting that youth in those areas still manage to buy liquor from nearby districts, which undermines the aim of the ban,” he said.

He emphasised that any move to revoke liquor licences must be backed by a clear majority through a secret ballot, rather than relying on public sentiment expressed during civic body meetings. The issue was also raised by MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, who sought more clarity on implementing prohibition in urban areas amid increasing public demand.

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The clarification from the Deputy CM comes at a time when residents and elected representatives in places like Kharghar in Panvel have been actively demanding stricter control over liquor sales, citing concerns related to social issues and the safety of residential neighbourhoods.