New Delhi, May 20: The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the sale of alcoholic beverages in tetra packs and sachets, describing the packaging as “very deceptive” while hearing a petition seeking a nationwide ban on such products.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Union Government and excise departments of several States on a plea filed by an organisation named Community Against Drunken Driving.
During the hearing, Advocate Vipin Nair, appearing for the petitioner, argued that liquor packed in tetra cartons resembles fruit juice products and lacks adequate warning labels. He informed the Court that products carrying flavours such as apple and mango vodka could easily mislead consumers, particularly minors.
Reacting to the submissions, the CJI remarked, “This is very deceptive,” while directing authorities to respond to the concerns raised in the petition.
The plea has sought directions for framing a uniform national policy prohibiting the sale of liquor in inconspicuous packaging such as tetra packs and sachets. It also urged the Court to define “bottling” in a manner restricting alcohol sales to visibly distinguishable containers like glass bottles.
The petitioners argued that such packaging increases the risk of underage drinking, public consumption, smuggling across States and drunk driving. They claimed that the colourful packaging and use of fruit imagery make the products appear similar to non-alcoholic beverages.
The Supreme Court had earlier, in November 2025, voiced similar concerns while hearing a trademark dispute involving whisky brands. The Bench had observed that liquor sold in tetra packs could easily be carried by school-going children and might go unnoticed due to its resemblance to juice cartons.(KNC)
