Bihar hooch tragedy reaches SC; SIT sought

A public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an independent probe by a special investigation team (SIT) in the Bihar hooch tragedy, which has snuffed out 50 lives so far, was filed in the top court on Friday. The PIL was mentioned before a bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud who posted it for hearing after winter vacation since the plea was not listed. The PIL filed by Aryavarta Mahasabha Foundation has sought formulation of an action plan at the national level to curb the manufacturing, trading and sale of illicit liquor. The plea has also sought directions to the Bihar government to suitably compensate the victims' families. The petitioner has further argued that Bihar's liquor prohibition policy has come under increasing attack on account of multiple similar tragedies.