Supreme Court Issues Notice To Union & States On Plea Against Sale Of Alcohol In Tetra Packs, Sachets Resembling Fruit Juice Packs

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice on a public interest petition challenging the sale of liquor in inconspicuous packaging such as tetra packs, PET bottles and sachets, with the petitioner alleging that such packaging deceptively resembles ordinary fruit juice products and increases the risks of underage drinking, drunk driving and public consumption.

Appearing for the petitioner Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD), Advocate Vipin Nair told the Court that, unlike tobacco products, alcoholic beverages sold in such packaging do not carry prominent warnings.

“Unlike tobacco, there is no warning. These packs are like fruit juices but contain vodka, with pictures of apples. Chilli,mango vodka etc,” Nair submitted.

Taking note of the submission, Chief Justice Surya Kant orally remarked, “This is very deceptive.”

The Court thereafter issued notice to the Union and the Excise Departments of all States on the petition.

The PIL seeks directions to the Union government and States to frame a uniform policy banning sale of alcohol in “inconspicuous packaging” such as tetra packs and sachets, and to amend excise laws to limit bottling to glass containers or other visibly distinct receptacles.

According to the petition, alcohol is increasingly being sold in portable packaging formats resembling everyday beverage products, making it easier to conceal and consume in public spaces such as parks, cinema halls, educational institutions and even moving vehicles. The petitioner argued that tetra packs marketed under names such as “Bunty Premium Vodka,” “Chelli Mango Vodka,” and “Premium Romanov Vodka – Apple Thrill,” with fruit imagery on the packaging, are designed in a manner likely to mislead consumers and attract younger persons.

CADD further contended that such packaging lowers production costs, making alcohol cheaper and more accessible, including to underage consumers and commercial vehicle drivers. The plea also claims that the lightweight, unbreakable and concealable nature of tetra packs and sachets facilitates smuggling across state borders and makes detection difficult in public spaces.

The petition alleges that state excise laws confer unguided discretion on authorities to approve various forms of liquor packaging, resulting in inconsistent and revenue-driven policies without adequate regard for public health and safety.

CADD, which says it has campaigned against drunk driving and underage drinking since 2001, also pointed out that it had previously approached the Supreme Court seeking mandatory age verification at alcohol sale points, in which notice had already been issued.

It may be recalled that the bench led by CJI Surya Kant has earlier expressed concerns about the sale of alcohol in tetrapacks. In another recent case, the Court allowed a PIL petitioner to raise concerns about the sale of liquor in such packets before the UP Excise Commissioner.

Case : COMMUNITY AGAINST DRUNKEN DRIVING Vs THE UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 475/2026