Kerala government appoints new Excise Commissioner in latest bureaucratic shuffle

The Kerala government has appointed S. Karthikeyan as the state's Excise Commissioner, marking another significant reshuffle in the state's bureaucratic hierarchy. Karthikeyan's appointment comes after his predecessor, Seeram Sambasiva Rao, was relieved from the post last week amid administrative tensions.

Rao's removal followed a high-profile disagreement over the granting of a bar licence to a lounge at Kochi airport. Excise Minister M. Liju had publicly expressed disapproval of the licence, noting that the government had objected to similar applications from other establishments. The licensing decision had emerged as a point of contention between the state excise department and the airport authorities.

The appointment of Karthikeyan is expected to reset the dynamics within the excise department as the government seeks to reassert its authority over licensing decisions in the state. The shuffle reflects ongoing efforts by the Kerala administration to align its bureaucratic structure with current policy priorities, particularly in regulating the hospitality and liquor retail sectors.

The excise commissioner's office oversees the regulation of alcohol sales and related licensing across Kerala, making it a key position in the state's regulatory framework.