New Delhi, May 20 (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Central Government while hearing a petition challenging the sale of alcohol in tetra packs. The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The petition has been filed by an organisation called *Community Against Drunken Driving*. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner, advocate Vipin Nair, argued that the packaging format creates confusion among consumers regarding whether the product is juice or alcohol. He stated that tetra pack labels often display images of apples, while containing alcoholic beverages such as vodka.

He further contended that the current excise policy lacks clarity in defining what constitutes a “bottle,” leading to ambiguity in regulation. The petition seeks directions for the Centre to formulate a uniform policy on the matter and urges states and Union Territories to immediately prohibit the sale of alcohol in tetra packs. It also calls for amendments in state excise policies to address the issue.

Earlier, on April 16, the apex court had declined to entertain a similar petition concerning the sale of alcohol in tetra packs in Uttar Pradesh. At that time, the bench had advised the petitioner to submit representations to the relevant authorities instead.

The plea argues that the availability of alcohol in tetra packs could have a negative influence on children and students, as such packaging can be easily mistaken for juice and may be carried into schools and colleges.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar