Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Bombay High Court Keeps Old Monk Ban Pending Label Review
The Bombay High Court did not allow Old Monk to resume sales in Maharashtra for now.
The court is examining whether the drink is labelled correctly.
FSSAI says it is made with neutral spirits and added rum flavouring.
Because of this, FSSAI says it should not simply be called rum.
The regulator also questioned the claim that it was “7 years old blended.”
The company agreed to remove that claim and make the flavour information easier to see.
It has submitted a new label for review.
The court will consider the issue again on September 11.
The Bombay High Court declined immediate interim relief against the FSSAI order halting Old Monk sales in Maharashtra.
FSSAI says Old Monk uses neutral spirits and added rum flavouring, requiring a flavoured-rum classification.
The regulator questioned the “7 years old blended” claim and the small disclosure of added flavours.
The manufacturer agreed to remove the age claim and prominently identify the product as flavoured rum or containing added flavour.
FSSAI and Maharashtra’s excise department are reviewing revised labels ahead of the next hearing on September 11.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Old Monk manufacturer, the Bombay High Court, and the Maharashtra excise department.
- What
- The court denied immediate interim relief while reviewing Old Monk’s classification and revised labels.
- When
- The revised label was submitted on Thursday; the next hearing is scheduled for September 11.
- Where
- Maharashtra, with the matter before the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- FSSAI says the product contains added rum flavouring and may be misleadingly labelled as plain rum.
FSSAI and Regulatory Authorities
Old Monk Manufacturer
Product classification
FSSAI and Regulatory Authorities
FSSAI says the product uses neutral spirits with added rum flavouring and should be labelled as a flavoured rum product rather than plain rum.
Old Monk Manufacturer
The manufacturer is challenging the FSSAI order and seeks to continue selling its manufactured stock while the case is pending.
Consumer disclosure
FSSAI and Regulatory Authorities
FSSAI questioned the “7 years old blended” claim and the extremely small print disclosing added flavours.
Old Monk Manufacturer
The company agreed to remove the age claim and make the added-flavour or flavoured-rum disclosure prominent.
Interim sales
FSSAI and Regulatory Authorities
FSSAI’s order halting sales should remain in force until the regulatory and labelling issues are resolved.
Old Monk Manufacturer
The manufacturer sought interim permission to sell existing manufactured stock during the legal challenge.
- Court decision
- The Bombay High Court refused an immediate interim stay.
- Current sales status
- Old Monk’s sale in Maharashtra remains prohibited.
- Regulator’s classification
- FSSAI says the product should be labelled “rum-flavoured spirit” or “flavoured rum.”
- Disputed claim
- The label’s “7 years old blended” wording was challenged.
- Company’s response
- The manufacturer agreed to remove the age claim and prominently disclose added flavouring.
- Label review
- FSSAI and the state excise department are reviewing the revised packaging.
- Next hearing
- September 11