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Saturday, January 3, 2026
TopicExcise policy

Topic: Excise policy

Excise Policy or the Delhi Government Excise policy was introduced in November 2021 by the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government. It aimed at modernizing alcohol sales in the city by allowing the setting up of a large number of private retail stores selling alcohol.

Within a year of the introduction of the policy, discrepancies were reported. Delhi’s Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar reported a breach in the policy to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena, who then requested a CBI inquiry. It was alleged that the policy had loopholes that allowed for violations such as preferential treatment, discounts, license fee waivers, and relief during pandemic disruptions in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP politicians. The ED has arrested several AAP leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.

In cess Bill, govt plans new levy on some tobacco products

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Karnataka hikes excise license fee by 50%, drops earlier plan to double it after criticism

ANI -
Giving relief to industry stakeholders, the state has also extended license renewal period to five years from previous one year. The revised rates will come into effect from 1 July.

Haryana’s excise policy: Gurugram, Faridabad to see higher liquor prices; no vends near highways

Sushil Manav -
New policy introduces higher ex-distillery prices which will translate into costlier bottles for consumers. Impact will be more pronounced in Gurugram & Faridabad due to higher license fees.

Siddaramaiah govt has a new plan to shore up revenues in cash-strapped Karnataka—boosting liquor sales

Sharan Poovanna -
With nearly Rs 60,000 crore tied up in bankrolling its 5 guarantees, Karnataka is exploring every possible lead to bring in some much-needed cash inflows.

Kawasi Lakhma made Rs 2 cr/month off ‘liquor scam’, ED says in litany of charges against ex-minister

Mayank Kumar -
ED alleges Lakhma played ‘integral part’ in liquor syndicate, ‘actively assisted’ in processes behind excise policy that is alleged to have caused loss of over Rs 2,000 cr to exchequer.

Kejriwal to Chidambaram, how SC order on PMLA sanctions has opened door for challenges

Mayank Kumar -
P. Chidambaram, Arvind Kejriwal have cited the SC order from 6 November in Delhi HC to challenge trial court taking cognisance of charges brought against them by ED.

IAS raided in Jharkhand liquor probe had served as chief electoral officer, Hemant Soren’s secy

Mayank Kumar -
Vinay Kumar Choubey was allegedly part of syndicate that caused losses to state exchequer. ED also searched premises linked to Jharkhand excise department joint commissioner.

Delhi HC dismisses Kejriwal’s challenge to CBI arrest in liquor policy case, rejects bail plea

Apoorva Mandhani -
It could not be said that the 'arrest was without any justiciable reason', the court observed. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna asked Delhi CM to approach the trial court for bail.

HC stays bail granted to Kejriwal in Delhi excise case. ‘Trial court has not applied its mind’

Apoorva Mandhani -
It objects to court not going through voluminous record before issuing order. Judge did not appropriately appreciate material on record & averments of ED, high court adds.

Alcoholic beverage industry wants inflation-linked pricing model to offset rising input costs

Yuthika Bhargava -
In India, alcohol prices are controlled by individual states. Industry says it’s seeking the change to cover up its costs and not for commercial gains.
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