Chandigarh, March 28 — The Chandigarh Wine Contractors Association has demanded a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the recently concluded liquor vend tender and allotment process, alleging cartelisation.
Association president Darshan Singh Kler claimed on Thursday that the UT Excise Policy 2025-26 limits a single firm to 10 vends. However, he alleged that the excise department allotted 33 vends to one family by distributing them under different names—eight to an individual, nine to his wife, and seven to their son. Additionally, another company linked to the family allegedly secured nine vends, with the same individual listed as director.
Kler further claimed that 87 out of 96 vends were allotted to just two or three individuals operating through relatives, associates, or employees. He also questioned why earnest money was refunded to unsuccessful bidders immediately, while successful bidders allegedly failed to deposit their security amounts.
The excise department has denied the allegations, arguing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the process was transparent and followed due legal procedures. It asserted that the petitioners, being current license holders, lacked the standing to challenge the allotment after participating in the auction.
