The Supreme Court today issued notice on a PIL challenging the sale of liquor in packaging such as tetra packs, PET bottles, and sachets, after concerns were raised that such products resemble ordinary fruit juice beverages and may encourage underage drinking and public consumption.

The petition was filed by Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD), in which it was argued that alcohol brands are increasingly being sold in portable and concealable packaging with fruit imagery and flavours, making them visually similar to regular soft drinks or juice cartons. It was also submitted that, unlike tobacco products, such liquor packaging does not carry prominent health warnings.

During the hearing, the petitioner pointed out that products marketed with names and designs resembling fruit beverages could mislead consumers, particularly younger persons. Taking note of the concern, Chief Justice Surya Kant orally remarked that the packaging appeared very deceptive.

The PIL sought directions for a uniform national policy prohibiting the sale of alcohol in inconspicuous packaging formats and urged amendments to excise laws to restrict liquor bottling to clearly distinguishable containers. The petition further raises concerns regarding easier concealment, public consumption, drunk driving, smuggling, and increased accessibility of alcohol due to cheaper and lightweight packaging formats.

Consequently, the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi issued notice in the matter.