The JAMMU AND KASHMIR EXCISE ACT, SAMVAT 1958 (1901 A.D.)

EXCISE ACT, SAMV AT 1958
(1901 A.D.)
(State Council Resolution No. 9 of 1901)
Section.
I–Preliminary and Definitions.
1. Short title, extent and commence-
ment.
2. Repeal of enactments, rules and
regulations
3. Interpretation.
3-A. Country liquor and foreign liquor.
II–Establishment and Control.
4. Appointment of Excise and Taxa-
tion Officer.
4-A. Delegation of power conferred by
section 4.
4-B. Superintendence and control of
the Excise Administrator and
Excise officers.
4-C. Appeal.
4-D. Revision and review.
III–Import, Export and Transport.
5. Import of liquor and intoxicating
drugs.
6. Export of liquor or intoxicating
drugs.
THE EXCISE ACT, 1958 (1901 A.D.)
CONTENTS
Preamble.
Section.
7. Transport of liquor or intoxicat-
ing drugs may be prohibited.
8. And must be covered by a permit.
9. Permits for transport.
General and special permits.
10. Particulars to be given in permits.
IV–Manufacture, Possession and
Sale.
11. Manufacture of liquor or intoxi-
cating drugs prohibited except un-
der the provisions of this Act.
11-A. Licence for export, import, sale or
possession of molasses.
12. Possession of liquor or intoxi-
cating drugs in excess of the
quantity prescribed by the
Government prohibited.
12-A.Possession of unused and printed
labels corks, capsules, seals by
certain persons.
13. Establishment of distilleries and
warehouses.
14. Sale of liquor or intoxicating drugs
without licence prohibited.
64 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
Section.
14-A.Regulation of the sale of liquor in
the State.
15. Exclusive privilege of manufac-
ture, etc. may be granted.
V–Duties.
16. Duty on liquor or intoxicating
drugs.
16-A.Approval to the label.
17. How duty may be imposed.
18. Duties may be framed.
19. Farmer may let or assign.
VI–Licences etc.
20. Forms and conditions of licences,
etc.
21. Counterpart agreement to be ex-
ecuted by licensees.
22. Power to recall licences.
VII–General Provisions.
23. Certain licensees required to keep
instruments for testing etc.
24. Recovery of duties, etc.
24-A.If any tax or other amount due is
not paid consequences thereof.
24-B. Refund of duty etc.
Section.
25. Power to frame rules.
VIII–Powers and Duties of Officers, etc.
26. Magistrate or Deputy Commis-
sioner may issue a search war-
rant on application.
27. Powers to certain officers to search
houses, etc. without warrant.
28. Power to enter and inspect places
of manufacture and sale.
29. In case of resistance, entry may be
made by force, etc.
30. Offenders may be arrested and
contraband liquor and articles
seized, without warrant.
31. Arrest of person refusing to give
name or giving false name.
32. Searches how to be made.
33. Officers of Police and Revenue
Departments and all village Head-
men and Chowkidars bound to
assist.
34. All officers in State employ re-
quired to report offences against
this Act.
35. Landholders and others to give in-
formation.
35-A.Power to seize, destroy etc. poppy
and hemp plant.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 6 5
Section.
36. Arrested persons to be taken be-
fore a Magistrate.
37. Period of detention not to exceed
twenty-four hours.
38. Certain offences to be non-bail-
able and triable summarily.
39. Bail.
40. Procedure where enquiry cannot
be completed in 24 hours.
Remand.
41. Arrest of persons suspected of of-
fences under this Act.
42. Excise and Taxation officers
power to require attendance of
witnesses.
43. Examination of witness by Excise
and Taxation Officer.
44. Release of accused when evidence
deficient.
45. Case to be sent to Magistrate when
evidence is sufficient.
46. Production of seized articles be-
fore Magistrate.
47. Closing of shop for the sake of
public peace.
IX–Penalties.
48. For illegal import, etc.
Section.
48-A.Penalty for rendering or attempt-
ing to render denatured/methy-
lated spirit fit for human con-
sumption.
48-B. Penalty for possession of unused
and printed labels, corks etc.
49. For  misconduct by licensee, etc.
50. For possession of illicit liquor.
50-A. Persons found drinking in public or
any place of worship etc. Penalty.
50-B. Penalty for licensed vendor etc.
50-C. Destruction of unfit liquor or beer.
51. For vexatious search or arrest.
52. For vexatious delay.
53. For abetment of escape of persons
arrested, etc.
54. For Excise and Taxation Officer
using violence.
55. Screening offender or giving false
information.
56. For offences not otherwise pro-
vided for. For subsequent offence
double punishment.
56-A.Attempt to commit offences pun-
ishable under the Act.
56-B. Security for abstaining from com-
mission of certain offences.
66 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
Section.
57. Presumption as to commission of
offence in certain cases.
58. What things are liable to confiscation.
59. Confiscation how ordered.
60. Power to compound offences.
61. Provisions of the  Criminal Proce-
dure Code & Ranbir Penal Code
applicable to offences committed
under this Act.
Section.
X–Miscellaneous.
62. Publication of rules & notifica-
tions.
63. Exemptions and prohibitions.
64. Bar of actions.
–––––
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 6 7
1THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR EXCISE ACT, SAMV AT 1958
(1901 A.D.)
(State Council Resolution No. 9 of 1901)
[Sanctioned by His Highness the Maharaja Sahib Bahadur in Council vide
State Council Resolution No. 9, dated 4th December, 1901].
An Act to consolidate and amend the Excise Law of the 2[Union territory of
Jammu and Kashmir].
Whereas it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to the
import, export, transport, manufacture, sale and possession of intoxicating liquor
and intoxicating drugs in the 2[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] ; it is enacted
as follows :––
I – PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIONS
1. Short title, extent and commencement.––(1) This Act may be cited as the
Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, 1958.
(2) It extends to the 3[whole of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir].
(3) It shall come into force in any local area within the said territories to such
extent and from such date as the 4[ Government of the Union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir] by notification shall direct.
2. Repeal of enactments, rules and regulations.––From the date on which
this Act comes into force in any local area, the enactments, rules and regulations
governing the Excise revenue at present in force shall be repealed :
Provided that all licences granted under any of the said enactments, rules and
regulations in force on the date on which this Act comes into force in any local area,
1. By the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (Central Act 62 of 1956 the
two Central Acts––the Opium Act, 1857 (13 of 1857) and the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930
(2 of 1930) have been extended to the Erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and they
have come into force with effect from 1st November, 1956. The Jammu and Kashmir
Excise Act, Samvat 1958 has, therefore, to be read subject to the provisions of the
Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 and also the Opium Act, 1957 so far as the cultivation of the
poppy and the manufacture of opium are concerned.
According to the definition given in section 2(h) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930
“Dangerous Drug” includes coco leaf, hemp and opium and all manufactured drugs as
defined in section 2(a), (c), (e) and (g) of the said Act.
2. Substituted for “Jammu and Kashmir State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
3. Substituted for “whole of the territories of the State” ibid. (For earlier amendment see Act
X of Samvat 2010).
4. Construed for “Government” ibid. (For earlier amendment see Act X of Samvat 1996).
68 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
shall continue in force for the periods for which the same have been respectively
granted, subject to the provisions of the enactments, rules and regulations under
which such licences were granted :
Provided further that the said repeal shall not affect any act done or any
offence committed, or any proceeding commenced, or any claim which has arisen,
or any penalty which has been incurred before this Act comes into force.
3. Interpretation.––In this Act, unless there be something repugnant in the
subject or context, ––
(1) “Excise revenue” means revenue derived or derivable from any duty,
fee, tax, fine or confiscation imposed or 1[ordered or the penalty imposed
consequent upon breach of any agreement, under] the provisions of this Act or
of any other law for the time being in force relating to liquor or intoxicating
drugs.
2[(2) 3[(a) “Commissioner” means any person appointed by the *Government
to exercise the functions of Commissioner under this Act ;
(b) “Deputy Commissioner” means any person appointed by the
*Government to exercise the functions of the Deputy
Commissioner under this Act in any province ;]
(c) “Excise and Taxation Officer” means any Officer or person
appointed, or invested with powers, under this Act].
4[(2-a) “Denatured/Methylated Spirit” means spirit effectually and
permanently rendered unfit for human consumption].
5[(3) “Liquor” means intoxicating liquor and includes spirits of wine,
methylated spirits, spirits, wine, beer and all liquids consisting of or containing
alcohol; also any substance which the *Government may by notification in the
**[Government Gazette] declare to be liquor for purposes of this Act].
6(4) Omitted.
* Now “Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.
* * Now Official Gazette.
1. Substituted by Act IX of 2010 for the words “ordered under”, s. 2.
2.  Clause (2) substituted by Act VIII of 1956.
3. Sub-clauses (a) and (b) substituted by Act XIV of 1966.
4. Clause (2-a) inserted by Act XX of 1978.
5. Clause (3) substituted by Act VIII of 1956.
6. Clause (4) omitted ibid.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 6 9
(5) Beer includes ale, stout, porter, cider and all other fermented liquors usually
made from malt.
1(6) Omitted.
1(7) Omitted.
2[(8) “Opium” means—
(i) the capsules of the poppy (papaver somniferum L), whether in their
original from or cut, crushed or powdered and whether or not juice has
been extracted there from ;
(ii) the spontaneously coagulated juice of such capsules which has not
been submitted to any manipulations other than those necessary for
packing and transport ; and
(iii) any mixture, with or without neutral materials, of any of the above
forms of opium but does not include any preparation containing not
more than 0.2% of morphine or a manufactured drug as defined in
section 2 of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 (Central Act 2 of 1930)].
3[(9) “Intoxicating drug” includes 4[opium], charas, ganja, bhang and every
other preparation and admixture of the same and every intoxicating drink or substance
prepared from any part of the hemp plant, from the grain or from other material, not
included in the term “Liquor”]. 5[ x x x x ].
6[X X X]
(10) “Sale or selling” includes any transfer otherwise than by way of gift.
7[(10-a) Liquor and intoxicating drugs other than prepared opium and dangerous
drugs shall be deemed to be sold “by retail” when sold in quantities not exceeding the
quantity (if any) fixed in respect of the same by rules made under this Act as the
largest which may be possessed by one person, at one time, without a licence, permit
or pass; and “by wholesale” when sold in quantities larger than the above.]
1. Clauses (6) and (7) omitted Act VIII of 1956.
2. Clause (8) substituted by Act IX of 1961.
3. Clause (9) substituted by Notification No. 14 of Samvat 1983.
4. Word “opium” inserted by Act IX of 1961.
5. Deleted ibid.
6. Second paragraph deleted ibid.
7. Clause (10-a) inserted by Notification No. 14 of Samvat 1983.
70 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
(11) “Import” means to bring into the 1[territory of the Union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir] from 2[any other part of India].
(12) “Export” means to take out of the 1[territory of the Union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir] to 2[any other part of India].
(13) “Transport” means to move from one place to another within the 1[territory of the
Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir].
(14) “Manufacture” includes every process, whether natural or artificial by
which any fermented, spirituous or intoxicating liquor, or intoxicating drug is
produced or prepared, and also re-distillation and every process for the rectification
of liquor.
(15) “Rectification” includes every process whereby spirits are purified or are
coloured or flavoured by mixing any material therewith.
3(16) Omitted.
4[(17) “Imprisonment” includes both simple and rigorous.]
5[(18) “Molasses” means the heavy dark coloured viscous liquid produced in the
final stage of manufacture of gur or sugar containing, in solution or suspension sugars
which can be fermented, and includes the solid form of such liquid and also any products
formed by the addition to such liquid or solid of any ingredient which does not
substantially alter the character of such liquid or solid and from which the wash is
prepared but does not include any article which the 6[Government of the Union territory
of Jammu and Kashmir] may, by notification in the 7[Official Gazette], declare not to be
molasses for the purpose of this Act.]
8[3-A. “Country liquid” and “foreign liquid”.––The Government may by
notification in the Government Gazette declare what, to be “country liquor” and “foreign
liquor”.
1. Substituted for “State territory” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
2. Substituted by Act XIII of 1969.
3. Clause (16) omitted by Act XL of 1966.
4. Clause (17) inserted by Council Resolution dated 27th November, 1903 published in the
Government Gazette dated 18th Phagan, 1960.
5. Clause (18) inserted by Act XI of 1999, s. 4, w. e. f. 29.2.2000.
6. Substituted for “State Government” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
7. Substituted for “Government Gazette” ibid.
8. Section 3-A inserted by Act VIII of 1956.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 7 1
1[4. Appointment of Excise and Taxation Officer . ––2[(1)] The *Government
may appoint such officers as it thinks fit to be 3[Commissioner, Deputy
Commissioners,] and Excise and Taxation Officers; and the officers so appointed
shall exercise such powers as may be conferred and perform such duties as may be
required by or under this Act.]
1[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) the *Government
may appoint any person as Joint Commissioner Enforcement to exercise powers
under the provisions of the Act as it may, by notification, in the **[Government
Gazette] specify and also appoint such other persons to assist him as it deems fit.
2[4-A. Delegation of power conferred by section 4.––(1) The *Government
may delegate any of the powers conferred by section 4 to any of the officers named
therein, and may further empower them to appoint such other servants as are
necessary for the carrying out of this Act.
(2) Every person appointed in exercise of such delegated power may be
suspended or dismissed by the officer who appointed him.]
3[4-B. Superintendence and control of the Excise Administration and Excise
Officers.––(1) Subject to the control of the *Government and unless the *Government
by notification otherwise directs the general superintendence and administration
of all matters, relating to Excise shall vest in the Commissioner.
(2) Subject to the general superintendence and control of the Commissioner
and unless the Government by notification otherwise directs, the Deputy
Commissioner shall control all Excise and Taxation Officers in his division.
4-C. Appeal.––An appeal shall lie from an order passed by—
(i) an Excise and Taxation Officer to the Deputy Commissioner;
(ii) a Deputy Commissioner in exercise of his original jurisdiction to the
Commissioner :
Provided that the appeal is preferred within sixty days from the date of order.
* Now “Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.
* * Now “Official Gazette”.
1. Section 4 substituted by Act VIII of 1956.
2. Renumbered as sub-section (1) of section 4 by Act III of 1998, s. 8.
3. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966.
1. Sub-section (2) inserted by Act III of 1998, s. 8.
2. Section 4-A inserted by Act XIV of 1966.
3. Sections 4-B, 4-C and 4-D inserted by Act XIX of 1981, s. 34.
72 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
4-D. Revision and review.––(1) The Commissioner may, suo moto, at anytime
or on an application made to him in this behalf, call for the record of any proceedings
which are pending before, or have been disposed of by any authority subordinate
to him for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the legality or propriety of such
proceedings or of any order made therein and may pass such orders in relation
thereto as he may deem fit :
Provided that the application shall be made within a period of ninety days of
the date of taking of the proceeding or of passing of the order, as the case may be.
(2) The authority passing an order may review such order or that of its
predecessor whether suo moto or at the instance of the aggrieved party:
Provided that an order passed in review shall not be subject to further review
by the same authority :
Provided further that a review petition submitted by an aggrieved party will be
admissible only if—
(a) there  are  some new  facts  or  circumstances  warranting reconsideration
of the order ; or
(b) there has been a mistake or error apparent on the face of the record ; or
(c) for any other sufficient reasons.
(3) Applications for review may before submission of appeal be preferred to
the authority which passed the original order by a person who on account of some
mistake or error apparent on the face of record or for any other sufficient reason
desires to obtain review of the order passed against him.
(4) The period of limitation for any application for review shall be thirty days.
(5) No order shall be made under this section which adversely affects the
rights of any person upon whom an obligation is imposed by or under this Act,
without giving such person a reasonable opportunity of being heard.]
III – IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSPORT
1[5. Import of liquor and intoxicating drugs.––No liquor or intoxicating drugs
shall be imported into the [Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] except:––
1. Section 5 substituted by Act XIV of 1966.
2. Substituted by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020 for “State”. However, repetition of words
“Jammu and Kashmir” has been removed by the Editor.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 7 3
(a) after payment of any duty to which it may be liable under this Act, or
execution of a bond for such payment, and
(b) in compliance with such conditions as the *Government may impose.]
6. Export of liquor or intoxicating drug.––No liquor or intoxicating drug
shall be exported unless it has been lawfully imported or manufactured in the 1[Union
territory of Jammu and Kashmir], and its export is permitted by competent authority
on payment of the fee or duty, if any, to which it is liable under any law for the time
being in force.
2[x  x  x].
7. Transport of liquor, opium or intoxicating drug may be prohibited.––
3[The *Government] may from time to time, by notification in the **[Government Gazette],
prohibit the transport of liquor or intoxicating drugs from any local area into any other
local area.
8. And must be covered by a permit.––No liquor or intoxicating drug exceeding
such quantity as 3[the *Government] may from time to time prescribe by notification,
either generally for the whole 1[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] or for any
local area, shall be transported, except it be accompanied by a permit issued under
the provisions of the next following section :
Provided that in case of foreign liquor transported for bona fide private
consumption or for sale at any place at which the sale of such liquor is duly licensed
or permitted under the provisions of this Act, such permits shall be dispensed with,
unless the *Government shall by notification otherwise direct with respect to any
local area.
9. Permits for transport.––Permits for the transport of liquor or intoxicating
drugs may be issued by the 4[Commissioner] or by any person duly empowered in
that behalf by him.
General and special permits.––Such permits shall be either general for definite
periods and kinds of liquor or intoxicating drugs, or special for specified occasions
and particular consignments only.
* Now “Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.
* * Now “Official Gazette”.
1. Substituted for “State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
2. Second para to section 6 omitted by Act IX of 1961.
3. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
4. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966 for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner”. (For earlier
amendment see Act VIII of 1956.)
74 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
10. Particulars to be given in permits.––Each permit shall specify:––
(a) the name of the person authorised to transport liquor or intoxicating
drugs,
(b) the period for which the permits is to be in force,
(c) the quantity and description of liquor or intoxicating drugs for which it
is granted,
(d) any other particulars which 1[the *Government] may prescribe.
General permits shall be granted only to persons licensed under this Act and
shall cover any quantity of liquor or intoxicating drugs transported at any one time
within the quantity specified in the permit.
Permits shall extend to and include servants and other persons employed by
the grantees and acting in their behalf.
IV – MANUFACTURE, POSSESSION AND SALE
11.Manufacture of liquor or intoxicating drugs prohibited except under the
provisions of this Act.––No liquor, or intoxicating drug shall be manufactured; no
hemp 2[or coca] or poppy plant shall be cultivated; 2[nor shall the spontaneous
growth of the hemp plant be collected] ;
no distillery, or brewery, or other place for the manufacture of liquor of any
kind shall be constructed or worked ; and
no person shall use, keep or have in his possession any material, still, utensil
implement or apparatus whatsoever for the purpose of manufacturing any liquor, or
intoxicating drug,
except under the authority and subject to the terms and conditions of a
licence granted by 3[the Commissioner] in that behalf :
Provided that 1[the *Government] may, by notification, direct that in any local
area it shall not be necessary to take out a licence for the manufacture of liquor for
bona fide home consumption or for the growth of the poppy or hemp plant or the
manufacture of opium for sale to vendors licensed for the sale, manufacture or
export of intoxicating drugs :
1. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
* Now “Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.
2. Inserted by Notification No. 14 published in Gazette dated 17th Phagan, 1983.
3. Substituted for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner” by Act XIV of 1966.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 7 5
Provided also that it shall be competent to 1[the *Government] at anytime to
restrict or prohibit the manufacture, possession or sale of any kind of liquor or
intoxicating drugs in any local area of the 2[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir].
3[11-A. Licence for export, import, sale or possession of molasses.––(1) No
person shall export, import, transport, sell or possess any quantity of molasses without
a licence in accordance with sub-section (2) of this section.
(2) The 4[Government] may, by order, authorise Excise Commissioner or any
other officer subordinate to him to grant licence(s) for the export, import,
transportation, sale or possession of molasses.]
5[12. Possession of liquor or intoxicating drugs in excess of quantity
prescribed by the *Government prohibited.––No person shall possess any
quantity of liquor or of any intoxicating drug in excess of such quantity (if any) as
the 6[*Government] may from time to time prescribe by notification unless he is
licensed by the Commissioner to collect, cultivate, manufacture or sell the same
or holds a pass from 7[the Commissioner] in that behalf].
8[12-A. Possession of unused and printed labels, corks, capsules, seals by
certain persons.––No person shall have in his possession: ––
(a) any unused and printed label, cork, capsule or seal, duly approved by
the Commissioner under this Act or under any rule or order made
thereunder for use by a person licensed to establish or work in a distillery
or brewery ; or
(b) any other label, cork, capsule, or seal which is an imitation of such unused
and printed label, cork, capsule or seal as specified in clause (a) :
Provided that nothing herein shall apply to: ––
(i) a person licensed to establish or work in a distillery or brewery or who
is incharge of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department Ware-house
at Jammu or Srinagar ; or
1. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
* Now “Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir”.
2. Substituted for “territories of the State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020. (For earlier
amendment see Act X of Samvat 2010).
3. Section 11-A inserted by Act XI of 1999, s. 5, w. e. f. 29-2-2000.
4. Substituted for “State Government” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
5. Section 12 substituted by Notification No. 14 published in Government Gazette dated 17th
Phagan, 1983.
6. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
7. Substituted for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner” by Act XIV of 1966.
8. Section 12-A inserted by Act XX of 1978, s. 3.
76 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
(ii) a person who, in the execution of an order received from a person
specified in sub-clause (i), manufactures or prints such labels, corks,
capsules or seals.]
1[13. Establishment of distilleries and warehouses.––(1) The Commissioner
may, with the previous approval of the Government,––
(a) establish or license the establishment and running of a warehouse wherein
intoxicants may be deposited and kept without payment of duty ;
(b) discontinue any warehouse so established or licensed ;
(c) establish or license the establishment of a distillery or a brewery for
manufacture of liquor or beer, as the case may be ; and
(d) discontinue any distillery or brewery so established or licensed.
(2) No intoxicant shall be removed from any distillery or brewery or warehouse
established or licensed under this Act unless the duty, if any, payable under this
Act has been paid in respect thereof.]
2[14. Sales of liquor or intoxicating drugs without licence prohibited.––
No liquor or intoxicating drug shall be sold without a licence from the
Commissioner :
Provided that,––
(a) a person licensed under section 11 of this Act to cultivate the hemp
plant may sell without a licence those portions of the plant from which
any intoxicating drug can be manufactured to any person who deals in
the same and is licensed under this Act or to any officer whom the
Commissioner may appoint in this behalf ;
(b) nothing in this section shall apply to the sale of any foreign liquor
lawfully procured by any person for his private use and sold by him or
on his behalf or on behalf of his representatives-in-interest upon his
quitting a station or after his demise.]
3[14-A. Regulation of the sale of liquor in the Union territory of Jammu and
Kashmir.––(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other
law, rule, order, agreement or any other instrument or any order, judgment or
decree of any Court the Government shall regulate the sale of country liquor in
1. Section 13 substituted by Act XXV of 1972, s. 2.
2. Section 14 substituted by Act XX of 1978, s. 2.
3. Section 14-A inserted by Act V of 1987, s. 2.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 7 7
the 1[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] 2[by auctioning or operating
departmental vends] the country liquor shops on such conditions and for such
period as it may deem fit :
Provided that the departmental shops existing for the sale of country liquor at
the time of first auction shall continue to run at such places and for such period as
may be specified by the Government by a special or general order.
(2) Any agreement or instrument executed, any letter of intent or order issued
by the Government relating to manufacturing, bottling or sale of country liquor
before the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Excise (Amendment)
Ordinance, 1985 (II of 1985) shall be and shall always be deemed to have been
without effect.]
15. Exclusive privileges of manufacture etc. may be granted.––It shall be
lawful for 3[the Government] to grant to any person or persons, on such conditions
and for such period as may seem fit, the exclusive or other privilege—
(1) of manufacturing or supplying by wholesale, or
(2) of selling by retail, or
(3) of manufacturing or supplying by wholesale and selling by retail,
any country liquor or intoxicating drug within any local area.
No grantee of any privilege under this section shall exercise the same until he
has received a licence in that behalf form the 4[Commissioner.]
V – DUTIES
16. Duty on liquor or intoxicating drugs.––A duty shall, if 3[the Government]
so direct, be levied on all liquor and intoxicating drugs manufactured 5[in the territories
of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir or imported into or exported from the
Union territory] 6[x x x] of such amount as the Government may from time to time
prescribe :
Provided that it shall be lawful for 3[the Government] to exempt any liquor or
intoxicating drug from any duty to which the same may be liable under any of the
provisions of this Act.
1. Substituted for “State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
2. Substituted for the words “by auctioning” by Act XI of 1999, s. 6.
3. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
4. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966 for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner”.
5. Substituted for certain words by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
6. Words “on State account” omitted by Act XLV of Samvat 2011.
78 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
1[16-A. Approval to the label. ––No liquor, whether manufactured in the
2[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] or imported, shall be purchased, stored or
sold in the 2[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] unless the label of such brand
is approved by the Commissioner subject to such conditions as may be laid down
by him and on payment of such fee as the Government may, by notification in the
3[Official Gazette, specify from time to time.]
17. How duty may be imposed. ––Such duty may be levied in one or more of
the following ways: ––
(a) by duty of excise to be charged, in the case of spirits or beer, either on
the quantity produced in the distillery or brewery or passed out of the
distillery, brewery or warehouse 4[or imported into or exported from the
2[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir],] as the case may be ;
(b) in the case of intoxicating drugs, by a duty to be rateably charged on
the quantity produced or manufactured or passed out of the ware-
house or on the acreage cultivated ;
(c) by payment of a sum in consideration of the grant of any exclusive or
other privilege––
(1) of manufacturing or supplying by wholesale, or
(2) of selling by retail, or
(3) of manufacturing or supplying by wholesale, and selling by retail
any country liquor or intoxicating drug in any local area and for
any specified period of time,
(d) by fees on licences for manufacture or sale ;
(e) by transport duties assessed in such manner as 5[the Government] may
direct ;
6[(f) by duty on bottling of liquor.]
18. Duties may be framed.––All or any of the duties leviable under this Act in
any local area may, with the sanction of 5[the Government], be framed subject to such
payment and on such other conditions as the Government shall prescribe. Farmers of
1. Section 16-A inserted by Act III of 2000, s. 2.
2. Substituted for “State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
3. Substituted ibid for “Government Gazette”.
4. Word substituted by Act XV of 1987, s. 3.
5. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
6. Clause (f) added by Act XIII of 1959.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 7 9
duties under this section shall take out licences as such from the 1[Commissioner.]
19. Farmer may let or assign.––In the absence of any contract or condition
to the contrary, any grantee of any exclusive or other privilege may let or assign the
whole or any portion of the privilege or form. But no such lessee or assignee shall
exercise any rights as such unless and until the grantee or farmer, as the case may
be, shall have applied to the 1[Commissioner] for a licence to be given to such
lessee or assignee, and such lessee or assignee shall have received the same.
VI – LICENCES, ETC.
20. Forms and conditions of licences, etc.––(1) Every licence or permit granted
under this Act shall be granted—
(a) on payment of such fees (if any),
(b) for such period,
(c) subject to such restrictions and on such conditions, and
(d) shall be in such form and contain such particulars,
as 2[the Government] may direct, either generally or in any particular instance, in
this behalf.
3[(2) The Government may, by order, delegate all or any of its powers under
sub-section (1) to the 1[Commissioner] subject to such conditions, if any, as be
specified in the order].
21. Counterpart agreements to be executed by licensees.––Every person
taking out a licence under this Act may be required to execute a counterpart agreement
in conformity with the tenor of his licence and to give such security for the
performance of his agreement as the 1[Commissioner] may require.
22. Power to recall licences.––The 1[Commissioner] may cancel or suspend
any licence or permit granted under this Act––
(a) if any fee or duty payable by the holder thereof be not duly paid ; or
(b) in the event of any breach by the holder of such licence or permit, or by his
servants, or by any one acting with his express or implied permission on
his behalf, of any of the terms or conditions of such licence or permit ; or
1. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966 for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner”.
2. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
3. Sub-section (2) inserted by Act V of Samvat 2001.
80 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
(c) if the holder thereof is convicted of any offence against this Act or any
other law for the time being in force relating to the Excise revenue, or of
any cognizable or non-bailable offence ; or
(d) where a licence or permit has been granted on the application of the
holder of an exclusive or other privilege, or of a farmer of duties under
this Act, on the requisition in writing of such person ; or
(e) if the conditions of the licence or permit provide for such concealment
or suspension 1[at will ; or]
2[(f) if the holder of the licence or permit resorts to illegal transportation of
liquor from the distillery.]
VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS
23. Certain licensees required to keep instruments for testing etc.––Every
person who manufactures liquor or sells country liquor under a licence granted
under this Act shall be bound––
(a) to supply himself with such of the prescribed instruments for testing
the strength of such liquor as the  3[Commissioner] may direct and to
keep the same in good condition, and
(b) on the requisition of any officer of the Excise Department duly
empowered in that behalf, at any time to measure out or to test the
strength of any such liquor in his possession in such manner as the
said officer may require.
24. Recovery of duties, etc.––All duties, taxes, fines and fees payable to the
4[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] direct under any of the foregoing provisions
of this Act or of any licence or permit issued under it, and all amounts due to the
4[Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir] by any grantee of a privilege, or by any
farmer under this Act, or by any person on account of any contract relating to the
Excise revenue, may be recovered from the person primarily liable to pay the same
or from his surety (if any), as if they were arrears of land revenue, and, in case of
default made by a grantee of a privilege or by a farmer, the 3[Commissioner] 5[with
the approval of the 6[Government]] may take the grant or farm under management at
the risk of the defaulter, or may declare the grant or farm forfeited re-sell it at the risk
1. Substituted for the words “at will” by Act XI of 1999, s. 7, w. e. f. 29-2-2000.
2. Clause (f) inserted ibid.
3. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966 for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner”.
4. Substituted for “State” by S.O. 1229 (E) dated 31.03.2020.
5. Words inserted by Notification No. 15 dated 14th December, 1922.
6. Substituted for “Minister-in-charge” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 8 1
and loss of the defaulter. When a grant or farm is under management under this
section, the 1[Commissioner] may recover any monies due to the defaulter by any
lessee or assignee as if they were arrears of land revenue.
2[24-A. If any tax or other amount due is not paid, consequences thereof.––
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if any tax or other amount due
under this Act is not paid by the licensee or other person, from whom it is due within
the time specified for the payment therefor or within a period of three months from
the date of demand whichever is earlier, the licensee or other person from whom the
tax or other amount is due shall be liable to pay in addition to the tax or amount due,
a sum equal to 2% of such tax or amount for each month or part thereof after the
period specified for its payment.]
3[24-B. Refund of duty etc.––Any amount of duty, tax, fine or fee paid by any
person which was not payable under this Act shall be refunded to such person along
with interest for the period of default at the rate of 2% per month :
Provided that if such amount has been recovered by the said person from any
other person then such other person only shall be entitled to refund :
Provided further that if any amount has been refunded to a person who is not
entitled to it, it shall be recovered from him as arrears of land revenue.]
25. Powers to frame rules.––4[The Government] may from time to time frame
rules––
(a) for determining the number of licences of each description to be granted
in any district or place ;
(b) for regulating the number, size and description of stills, utensils,
implements and apparatus to be used in any distillery ;
(c) prescribing the instruments to be used in the testing of liquor and the
tables of corrections according to temperature to be used therewith ;
5[(cc) prescribing of procedure for regulating the vending of country liquor
through auction] ;
(d) prescribing the measures to be used for the sale of country liquor ;
1. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966 for “Excise and Taxation Commissioner”.
2. Section 24-A inserted by Act XIV of 1974, s. 16.
3. Section 24-B inserted by Act XIX of 1981, s. 35.
4. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
5. Clause (cc) inserted by Act V of 1987, s. 3.
82 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
1[(dd) prescribing the type and description of bottling liquor and regulating
other conditions relating thereto] ;
(e) fixing for any local area 2[the maximum or] minimum price 2[above or]
below which 3[4[any liquor] or opium] shall not be sold ;
(f) for the warehousing of liquor and intoxicating drugs and for the removal
of the same from any warehouse in which they are deposited for deposit
in any other warehouse or for local consumption or for export ;
(g) for the inspection and supervision of stills, distilleries, private
warehouses and breweries ;
(h) for the management of any public distillery or public warehouse
established under section 13 ;
(i) for placing the growth of the poppy or hemp plant and the preparation
of intoxicating drugs and the storage, import, export, possession or
transport of liquor or intoxicating drugs under such supervision and
control as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of this Act ;
(j) prohibiting the use of any article which 5[the Government] shall deem
to be noxious or otherwise objectionable in the manufacture of liquor
or any intoxicating drugs ;
(k) for the grant of batta to witnesses summoned before Magistrate or
6[Deputy Commissioner] under this Act ;
(1) regulating the powers of the officers of the Excise Department to summon
witnesses ;
7[(ll) prescribing and limiting the powers and duties of Excise and Taxation
Officers and regulating the delegation of duties to and by such Officers] ;
(m) for the disposal of the articles confiscated and of the proceeds thereof  ;
(n) for the grant of rewards to 8[Excise and Taxation Officers] and other
persons who have assisted in the detection or conviction of offences
1. Clause (dd) inserted by Act XIII of 1969.
2. Inserted by order published in Government Gazette dated 10th Jeth, 1978.
3. Substituted for the words “country liquors” by Act VIII of 1956.
4. Substituted for “country liquor” by Act XV of 2006, s. 2.
5. Substituted for “His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur” by Act X of Samvat 1996.
6. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966.
7. Clause (ll) added by Act VIII of 1956.
8. Substituted for “Customs and Excise Officers” by Act VIII of 1956.
THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A. D.) 8 3
against this Act ;
(o) generally to carry out the provisions of this Act or of any other law for
the time being in force and relating to the Excise revenue.
VIII – POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS, ETC
26. Magistrate or 1[Deputy Commissioner] may issue a search warrant on
application.––If any Magistrate or 1[Deputy Commissioner] upon information given
by an officer of the 1[Excise Department] or by a Police Officer or other person, and
after such inquiry as he thinks necessary, has reason to believe that an offence
under this Act has been committed and that the issue of a warrant is necessary to
assist in its detection, he may issue a warrant for the search for any liquor, or
intoxicating drug, materials, still, utensil, implement or apparatus in respect of which
the alleged offence has been committed.
27. Power to certain officers to search houses, etc. without warrant. ––
2[When any Revenue Officer not below the rank of a Naib-Tehsildar or a Police
Officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector or any officer of the 1[Excise Department]
not below the rank of Inspector in any locality to which this Act applies] has
reasons to believe that an offence under this Act has been committed, and that if
steps are taken to obtain a search warrant under the last preceding section, it is
likely to go undetected, he may, after recording his reasons and the grounds of his
belief, at any time by day or night, enter and search any place and may seize
anything found therein which he has reason to believe to be liable to confiscation
under this Act and may detain and search and, if he thinks proper arrest any person
found in such place whom he has reason to believe to be guilty of any offence
under this Act.
28. Power to enter and inspect places of manufacture and sale.––3[Any
officer of the Excise Department not below the rank of Inspector or any other officer
as may be empowered by the Government] may enter and inspect at any time by day
or by night, any place in which any licensed manufacturer carries on the manufacture
of any liquor or intoxicating drugs or stores any liquor or intoxicating drug; and
may enter and inspect, at any time during which the same may be open, any place in
which any liquor or intoxicating drug is kept for sale by any licensed person, and
may examine, test, measure or weigh any materials, stills, utensils, implements,
apparatus, liquor or intoxicating drug found in such place.
1. Substituted by Act XIV of 1966.
2. Substituted for certain words by Act IV of Samvat 2009. (For earlier amendments see Acts III
and X of Samvat 2008).
3. Substituted for certain words by Act XI of 1999, s. 8, w. e. f. 29.2.2000.
84 THE EXCISE ACT,  1958 (1901 A.D.)
29. In case of resistance entry may be made by force, etc.––If any officer
empowered to make any entry under the provisions of the last two preceding
sections cannot otherwise make such entry, it shall be lawful for him to break open
any outer or inner door or window and to remove any other obstacle to his entry in
to any such place.
30. Offenders may be arrested and contraband liquor and articles seized,
without warrant.––1[(1) Any 2[Excise and Taxation Officer], any Police Officer not
below the rank of 3[Head Constable] and any other person 4[or class of persons]
duly empowered by the Government in this behalf may arrest without warrant any
person found committing an offence punished under 5[section 48, section 50 or
section 50-A] and may seize and detain any liquor, drug or other article which he
has reason to believe to be liable to confiscation under this Act or any other such
law and may detain and search any person upon whom, and any vessel, raft, boat,
vehicle, animal, package, receptacle or covering in or upon which, he may have
reasonable cause to suspect any such liquor or drug or other such article to be or to
be concealed.]
6[(2) Any person other than an Excise

Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.

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