New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over alcohol being sold in packaging that looks similar to fruit juice, soft drinks, or other regular beverages.
The Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an organization called Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD), which works against drunk driving and underage drinking.
The petition argues that many liquor companies are now selling alcohol in tetra packs, sachets, and PET bottles that resemble normal juice or soft drink products. Because of this, children and ordinary consumers may not immediately recognize that the product contains alcohol.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Central Government and all State Excise Departments asking them to respond.
During the hearing, the Court orally observed that such packaging appears “very deceptive.” The judges said these products could increase the risk of underage drinking, public consumption of alcohol, and drunk driving because they can easily be mistaken for regular beverages.
Another concern raised before the Court was the lack of strong warning labels on such alcohol packaging. The petition pointed out that tobacco products are required to display large health warnings, but these alcohol tetra packs often do not carry similarly prominent warnings. As a result, consumers may not clearly realize they are purchasing alcohol.
The petition also argued that tetra packs and sachets are cheaper to manufacture, making alcohol more affordable and easily accessible, especially to younger people. Since these packs are lightweight, non-breakable, and easy to hide, they can be carried and consumed in public places more easily and may also facilitate illegal transportation between states.
The Supreme Court appeared to agree that the issue is not just about packaging design but also about public safety, youth protection, and public health. The Court indicated that it is treating the matter seriously because such packaging could normalize alcohol consumption by presenting liquor like a common beverage.
The petitioners have asked the Court to direct the Centre and States to create a uniform national policy on alcohol packaging. They want a ban on liquor sold in juice-like containers and tetra packs, mandatory warning labels, and rules requiring alcohol to be sold only in clearly distinguishable containers like glass bottles.
The Court has now asked the Central Government and all State Excise Departments to explain why such packaging is being allowed and what safeguards exist to prevent underage drinking and misuse.
If the Supreme Court later issues detailed guidelines in this case, it could lead to major changes in liquor packaging rules and excise policies across India.