Overview
- The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and all states on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after hearing a PIL by Community Against Drunken Driving that seeks an immediate ban on alcohol sold in tetra packs, sachets and similar small containers.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant told the bench the packaging was “very deceptive” after the petitioner’s lawyer pointed to products marketed with fruit names and images that can resemble juice cartons.
- The petition says such packaging lowers cost and visibility, makes alcohol easier to conceal in public or in vehicles, increases access for minors and commercial drivers, and aids smuggling across state borders.
- CADD asked the court to direct the Centre to frame a uniform national policy and to require states to amend excise laws so that ‘bottling’ is limited to glass or other clearly distinguishable containers.
- State rules already differ — Maharashtra moved toward embossed glass bottles in 2016 while Delhi’s 2022 policy allows carton packs — so a court order could force harmonised packaging rules and change how states regulate and tax low‑cost alcohol.