Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply On Plea Against Liquor Sales In Sachets And Tetra Packs

NEW DELHI, May 20: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and other concerned authorities on a petition demanding an immediate ban on the sale of alcohol in tetra packs and sachets, citing public health concerns and misleading packaging practices.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, agreed to examine the plea filed by the organisation Community Against Drunken Driving.

During the hearing, advocate Vipin Nair, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the existing definition of “bottle” under various excise laws remains unclear and requires standardisation across the country.

He told the court that certain liquor products packaged in tetra packs closely resemble fruit beverages, creating confusion among consumers. Referring to packaging designs, the counsel said some alcohol containers carry images of fruits such as apples despite containing vodka, which could mislead buyers.

The petitioner further argued that the State has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard public health and regulate alcohol packaging more effectively.

The plea has urged the Centre to formulate a uniform national policy applicable to all states and Union Territories to prohibit the sale of liquor in sachets and tetra packs with immediate effect.

It also sought directions for states to amend their respective excise laws, rules and policies by adopting a standard definition of “bottling”, restricting it to glass bottles or other clearly distinguishable containers to prevent deceptive marketing and ensure better regulation of alcoholic beverages.

The matter is expected to be taken up for further hearing after responses are filed by the Centre and other stakeholders.