Thiruvananthapuram, 03 Nov (H.S.):

Kerala Excise Minister M. Liju has intensified his confrontation with Excise Commissioner Sambasiva Rao over the controversial granting of bar licences at Nedumbassery International Airport, indicating that he would seek the officer’s removal.

The Minister described the Commissioner’s actions as suspicious and embarrassing to the department, alleging that crucial decisions were taken without consulting either the government or the Minister.

Liju announced that steps were underway to cancel the disputed bar licences and that legal advice had already been sought to initiate the process.

He said the Commissioner had exercised powers granted under the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which allowed senior excise officials to approve certain licences without ministerial clearance.

According to the Minister, the previous administration had exploited similar provisions to convert 428 wine parlours into bars.

“The loopholes created by the previous government will be closed,” Liju said, adding that decisions with significant policy implications should not be taken without the government's knowledge.

Although the Commissioner possesses statutory authority to issue FL-7 licences, Liju said clear instructions had been issued to defer decisions on such applications until the new liquor policy was formally announced.

He alleged that these directions were disregarded and confirmed that an explanation had been sought from the Commissioner.

The Minister also launched a sharp attack on former Excise Minister M. Rajesh, accusing the previous LDF administration of creating a flawed regulatory framework that encouraged the expansion of liquor outlets.

Liju said his dissatisfaction with the earlier government's liquor policy would be reflected through corrective administrative measures.

He maintained that the controversy was not about individuals holding particular positions but about establishing transparent procedures and ensuring accountability in the Excise Department.

The Minister said the cancellation process would be completed shortly, while any decision regarding the Commissioner's removal would be taken by the government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman