Bhopal, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday disposed of a public interest litigation seeking an investigation into the Sagar spurious liquor deaths, noting that the state government had already ordered a judicial inquiry and initiated action against those allegedly responsible.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alpesh Yeshvant Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain said the petitioner could approach the judicial commission headed by a retired High Court judge and place before it concerns regarding the incident and measures required to prevent similar tragedies.
The court said it was satisfied with the steps taken by the state government and, consequently, was not inclined to pursue the PIL further.
The petition had sought an examination of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and alleged shortcomings in the regulatory system for preventing the manufacture and sale of illicit and spurious liquor.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner referred to media reports putting the death toll at 39. The state government, however, informed the court that 20 people had died in the incident.
The state also told the bench that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had visited the affected area and that a judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court judge was constituted shortly after the tragedy.
The government further informed the court that compensation had been provided to the families of those who died as well as to people who fell ill and were undergoing treatment.
According to the state, a notification issued on September 12 gave the judicial commission three months to submit its report.
The petitioner argued that several aspects warranted investigation, including alleged failures in monitoring the manufacture, distribution and sale of liquor.
The High Court said such concerns could be placed before the judicial commission and permitted the petitioner to make submissions before the panel.
The tragedy occurred in early September in the Banda and Shahgarh areas of Sagar district after several people allegedly consumed spurious liquor and subsequently developed serious health complications. Several affected individuals were admitted to hospitals, following which police and excise authorities launched a major crackdown.
Submissions before the court stated that FIRs had been registered against 33 people at two police stations and around 19 accused had been arrested.
The PIL also referred to complaints allegedly received in August regarding the sale of counterfeit liquor under the brand names “Bombay” and “Sagar Gold”. It questioned the inspection, sampling and verification mechanisms used by the authorities.
The petition additionally called for a broader review of the regulatory and enforcement framework governing the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of liquor.
The High Court ultimately disposed of the PIL after taking note of the judicial commission and other measures initiated by the state, while allowing the petitioner to place the concerns raised in the petition before the commission.
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