Image: IANS NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and other respondents on a plea seeking an immediate ban on the sale of alcohol in tetra packs and sachets, citing concerns over drunken driving and easy accessibility. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, agreed to hear the petition filed by the organisation ‘Community Against Drunken Driving’.Advocate Vipin Nair, appearing for the petitioner, argued before the court that the definition of a “bottle” under the excise regime remained “vague” and required standardisation.“They are confusing fruit juice with liquor. They use photo of apple and the pack contains Vodka,” he said, while stressing that the State has a responsibility to protect the health of citizens.The petition has sought directions to the Centre to formulate a uniform policy for all states and Union Territories and immediately prohibit the sale of alcohol in packaging formats such as tetra packs and sachets.“The state has a moral duty to raise nutrition, standard of living, improve health, but in this case it appears the state is only focussed on raising revenue by exposing the public to excessive use of alcohol especially the young. The state government is prioritizing revenue over public health,” said Prince Singhal, road safety expert and founder of Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).“Selling alcohol in tetra packs is profitable to the producers due to lower cost of production, lesser wastage, easier portability. It is also beneficial to the government as it increases sale, is lucrative for the customer adding to the revenue. But in all this the populace is drinking more,” he added.The plea also sought directions to the Centre to frame a policy requiring states to amend their respective excise laws, rules and policies to adopt a uniform definition of “bottling”, restricting it to glass containers or other visibly distinguishable receptacles.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPakistani Lashkar Operative’s Hair Transplant Detour In Kashmir Exposes Sleeper Cell NetworkPakistani Military Officer Mocked Online After Claiming Strikes On Indian Airbases That Don’t ExistTwisha Sharma Case Triggers Debate After Mother-In-Law Criticises Her Even After DeathKerala Swearing-In Ceremony Triggers Political Row Over Full Rendition Of Vande MataramNEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Allegation Emerges After Rajasthan Whistleblower Flags Viral PDF MatchKMC Issues Notices To 17 Properties Linked To Abhishek Banerjee In Building Violation ProbeNorway PM Defends India Asks Journalist Helle Lyng To Respect Indian DemocracyMamata Escalates Attack, Says BJP Will Be Ousted From Power In Delhi After Bengal Poll DefeatFalta Repoll Heats Up As Political War Of Words Escalates Between BJP And TMCTMC MP Saayoni Ghosh Reacts After BJP Leader’s Alleged Rs 1 Crore Beheading Remark123Photostories6 Indian cricketers who own lavish sea-facing homes in Mumbai; their jaw-dropping property prices will leave you stunnedThe one watering mistake killing plants in Indian summers”Faltu khana na banaye, agar koi…” CM Yogi Adityanath urges people on being mindful while cooking: 5 tips on how to cook ‘right’ at home5 cat breeds that look majestic and regal10 simple work habits that save you hours every weekNeurologist shares 5 things she personally prioritises to protect children’s healthKhatron Ke Khiladi 15: From Orry getting a bikini wax before KKK to Rubina Dilaik-Jasmin Bhasin and Gaurav Khanna-Farrhana Bhatt’s reunion; here’s why these contestants are already making headlinesThe snake that “plays dead”: Inside the bizarre defence tactics of hognose snakesAditi Rao Hydari’s home gives a rich mix of culture, comfort, and creativity: 5 ideas to borrowMike Tyson says he caught Brad Pitt with his ex-wife: A look back at every cheating allegation the actor has ever faced123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and other respondents on a plea seeking an immediate ban on the sale of alcohol in tetra packs and sachets, citing concerns over drunken driving and easy accessibility. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, agreed to hear the petition filed by the organisation ‘Community Against Drunken Driving’.Advocate Vipin Nair, appearing for the petitioner, argued before the court that the definition of a “bottle” under the excise regime remained “vague” and required standardisation.“They are confusing fruit juice with liquor. They use photo of apple and the pack contains Vodka,” he said, while stressing that the State has a responsibility to protect the health of citizens.The petition has sought directions to the Centre to formulate a uniform policy for all states and Union Territories and immediately prohibit the sale of alcohol in packaging formats such as tetra packs and sachets.“The state has a moral duty to raise nutrition, standard of living, improve health, but in this case it appears the state is only focussed on raising revenue by exposing the public to excessive use of alcohol especially the young. The state government is prioritizing revenue over public health,” said Prince Singhal, road safety expert and founder of Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD).“Selling alcohol in tetra packs is profitable to the producers due to lower cost of production, lesser wastage, easier portability. It is also beneficial to the government as it increases sale, is lucrative for the customer adding to the revenue. But in all this the populace is drinking more,” he added.The plea also sought directions to the Centre to frame a policy requiring states to amend their respective excise laws, rules and policies to adopt a uniform definition of “bottling”, restricting it to glass containers or other visibly distinguishable receptacles.