No uniform definition of liquor ‘bottle’; SC seeks response from Centre, States
The Supreme Court has requested responses from the Centre and States regarding the lack of a uniform definition of a liquor 'bottle' in excise laws. This inconsistency has led to misleading packaging of alcoholic beverages, often disguised as fruit juices. The court highlighted concerns over the marketing strategies that target underage consumers and pose public health risks.
- ▪The Supreme Court is addressing the varying definitions of 'bottle' in State excise laws.
- ▪Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that deceptive packaging has increased public alcohol consumption.
- ▪The petition argues that the liquor lobby's marketing strategies are aimed at evading scrutiny and targeting underage consumers.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) sought a response from the Centre and States on a plea that excise laws differ widely from State to State, even on the point of clearly identifying what a liquor ‘bottle’ really looks like.Chief Justice of India Surya Kant agreed that the lack of clear, uniform and harmonious definition of the term ‘bottle’ in excise laws across the country has led to a “very deceptive packaging” of cheap alcohol, which is even labelled as ‘fruit juice’. The duplicitous marketing of liquor has led to a dramatic increase in the public consumption. Supreme Court alarmed by liquor in ‘pocket-size’ packs, mistakes it initially for juice“There is ‘green apple’ vodka… This is very deceptive,” Chief Justice Kant said.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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