Rajkot: A police raid on a high-profile alleged liquor party on Saturday night reignited the debate over Gujarat’s prohibition law, with prominent businessmen divided over whether the decades-old legislation should continue.The party, at a banquet hall of Kalavad Road, was attended by prominent people from Rajkot and Morbi, including developers, industrialists, jewellers and financiers. The raid elicited varying opinions in the business community. While some openly demand the abolition of prohibition, others echoed the demand but preferred to remain anonymous. A section of the business community continues to support the law, arguing that it acts as a deterrent against unrestricted alcohol use.Taking an unequivocal stand, Dhruvik Talaviya, vice-president of Rajkot Builders Association (RBA), issued a video statement on social media, declaring that the movement to abolish the Gujarat Prohibition Act should begin from Rajkot.“Why should somebody be punished in Gujarat for drinking alcohol in the 21st century? A person may be punished for drunk driving or social misconduct, but should not be punished merely for drinking alcohol,” he said in the video.Speaking to TOI later, Talaviya described the prohibition law as discriminatory, arguing that people from other states are allowed to drink alcohol in Gujarat under certain conditions, while Gujarat domiciles are prohibited from doing so. He also pointed out that Gujaratis can drink alcohol outside the state or at GIFT City.“Are we looking at creating laws that are on a par with 21st-century Afghanistan, or should we follow the example of developed nations such as the US and UK?” he asked.Talaviya admitted that several of his friends had attended the party that was raided by police and said they had no reason to feel ashamed. He also defended the gathering.His views found support among other businessmen, who privately expressed similar opinions but declined to go on record.Parth Ganatra, vice-president of Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opposed any move to abolish the law. He said lifting prohibition could remove the fear of law among youngsters.“The prohibition law should not be abolished in Gujarat. Women feel safe stepping out at night in the state because of this law,” Ganatra said.The debate follows a midnight police raid on Saturday that lasted till 4am. The party, organized to celebrate a birthday and Diwali, was attended by 76 people. Police booked 38 people, including hotel staffers, in connection with the gathering.Meanwhile, the constitutional validity of Gujarat’s prohibition law is also under challenge before the Gujarat High Court.The petitioners have argued that the Prohibition Act cannot deprive individuals of their right to consume alcohol in private spaces, contending that such restrictions violate the fundamental right to privacy. They have also questioned the alleged discriminatory nature of the law, pointing out that certain categories of people, including armed forces personnel, visitors from outside Gujarat and permit holders, are allowed to drink liquor under certain conditions.The petitioners further argued that the punishments prescribed under the Act are disproportionate to the severity of the offences.
