Overview
- A division bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. ordered an interim stay on the naming and logo competition linked to BEVCO and Malabar Distilleries.
- The court said the advertisement appears to solicit liquor use and move the product toward market availability, indicating a prima facie concern under the Abkari Act.
- BEVCO told the court it issued no notification for the contest and stated it does not manufacture liquor.
- Petitioners invoked Section 55H on unlawful advertisement, sought details on approvals and funding, and cited a Malabar Distilleries note about a February 21 prize event offering Rs 10,000.
- The bench questioned potential spending of public funds on media promotion through a state-controlled entity, with further hearing listed for March 12.