The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre and other respondents on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on the sale of liquor in tetra packs. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra took up the matter and sought responses from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), among others.
Petition Highlights Health and Environmental Risks
The PIL, filed by an NGO, argues that the sale of alcohol in tetra packs poses serious health hazards and environmental threats. The petitioner contended that tetra packs are not biodegradable and their disposal leads to environmental pollution. Moreover, the packaging material contains layers of plastic and aluminum that can leach into the liquor, especially when stored for long periods or under improper conditions, potentially causing health issues.
Legal Grounds for the Ban
The petition invokes Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and a healthy environment. It claims that the sale of liquor in tetra packs violates this fundamental right. The petitioner also cited the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to argue that such packaging is not compliant with existing regulations.
Government's Stance and Next Steps
The Centre has been given four weeks to file its response. The Supreme Court will hear the matter further after the replies are submitted. The court did not issue an interim stay on the sale of such products, but the notice itself is a significant step. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the liquor industry and packaging standards in India.
Industry Reactions and Public Health Concerns
The liquor industry has expressed concerns over the potential ban, stating that tetra packs are a cost-effective and safe option for transporting and storing alcohol. However, health experts have supported the petition, citing studies that show chemicals from plastic liners can migrate into alcoholic beverages. Environmentalists also point out the difficulty in recycling tetra packs due to their multi-layered composition, which often ends up in landfills or incinerators.
The Supreme Court's notice marks the beginning of a legal battle that could reshape how alcoholic beverages are packaged and sold in India. The next hearing is scheduled after the government's response is filed.
