CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing on the PIL on the liquor tragedy by 10 days and directed the Government to file a counter affidavit in the case. Over 36 persons died in Cuttack and Khurda districts. Former Excise Commissioner Sudarshan Nayak filed his affidavit on the steps taken to curb sale of illicit liquor in the State. The bench comprising Chief Justice V Gopalagowda and Justice BN Mohapatra had directed him to file an affidavit in response to a contempt petition citing failure of the Government in curbing sale of illicit liquor which was reflected in the recent deaths.
Nayak stated that he had issued instructions to all collectors and Superintendents of Excise to take appropriate steps in the direction. The court on November 2011 had directed the Excise Commissioner to initiate steps to check inflow of spurious and illicit liquor into the markets.
Meanwhile, the Collector of Cuttack filed an affidavit stating that steps had been taken to rehabilitate the families of the victims under various schemes. Their food and education needs are also taken care of.
Khurda Collector Rupa Mishra also filed her affidavit on Monday stating that all the family members of victims had been provided with benefits under various schemes of the Government.