New Delhi, May 20: The Supreme Court on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the sale of alcoholic beverages in tetra packs and sachets, calling such packaging “very deceptive” while hearing a petition seeking a nationwide ban on these products.
A Bench comprising Surya Kant and 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 sold in tetra cartons closely resembles fruit juice products and does not carry sufficiently visible warning labels. He told the Court that products marketed with flavours such as apple and mango vodka could easily mislead consumers, especially minors.
Responding to the submissions, the CJI remarked, “This is very deceptive,” and directed the concerned authorities to file their responses on the issues raised in the petition.
The plea sought directions for framing a uniform national policy banning the sale of liquor in inconspicuous packaging such as tetra packs and sachets. It also urged the Court to define “bottling” in a way that restricts alcohol sales to clearly 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 also claimed that colourful designs and fruit imagery make these products appear similar to non-alcoholic beverages.
The Supreme Court had earlier, in November 2025, expressed similar concerns while hearing a trademark dispute involving whisky brands. At that time, the Bench observed that liquor sold in tetra packs could easily be carried by school-going children and might go unnoticed because of its resemblance to juice cartons. (Agency)
