1 day ago
Bombay High Court Rejects Immediate Stay on Old Monk Ban
A court in Mumbai is reviewing whether Old Monk rum labels give consumers the right information.
Sales of the rum were prohibited in Maharashtra after food-safety officials raised concerns.
The label said “7 years old blended” and “very old vatted.”
Judges worried that shoppers might think all of the rum was aged for seven years.
The court also questioned whether added flavouring was clearly shown.
The manufacturer said its labelling followed the rules and that the ingredients were disclosed.
It agreed to change the packaging by removing the ageing phrase and making “added flavor” easier to see.
The court will consider the case again on September 3.
The Bombay High Court refused immediate interim relief against Maharashtra’s prohibition on Old Monk sales.
The court questioned “7 years old blended” and “very old vatted” claims on the rum’s packaging.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India cited alleged labelling violations and artificial flavouring concerns.
The manufacturer said its label followed rules and that approved flavouring substances and ingredients were disclosed.
The manufacturer agreed to remove the ageing claim and prominently display “added flavor”; the case returns on September 3.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and Old Monk manufacturer Mohan Rocky Springwater are involved.
- What
- The court refused an immediate stay against a Maharashtra order prohibiting Old Monk sales over alleged labelling and flavouring violations.
- Where
- The dispute concerns sales in Maharashtra and was heard by the Bombay High Court.
- When
- The order was reported on August 31, 2026; the next hearing is scheduled for September 3.
- Why
- Authorities and the court questioned whether ageing claims and flavouring disclosures could mislead consumers.
Manufacturer’s Position
Regulators’ and Court’s Concerns
Ageing description
Manufacturer’s Position
The manufacturer argued that the label distinguished blended spirits in accordance with statutory rules.
Regulators’ and Court’s Concerns
The court questioned whether ordinary consumers would understand the technical distinction and might believe the entire spirit had been aged for seven years.
Added flavouring
Manufacturer’s Position
The manufacturer said FSSAI rules permit approved flavouring substances in neutral spirits and that all ingredients were disclosed; it also alleged selective targeting.
Regulators’ and Court’s Concerns
The court said the flavouring disclosure was difficult to find, while the Additional Solicitor General argued that rum should derive its characteristic taste and aroma naturally from sugarcane fermentation.
Interim relief
Manufacturer’s Position
The manufacturer sought immediate protection from the Maharashtra sales prohibition and agreed to revise its packaging.
Regulators’ and Court’s Concerns
The Additional Solicitor General opposed the plea, and the court declined to grant immediate interim relief.
Key facts
- Product
- Old Monk rum
- Manufacturer
- Mohan Rocky Springwater
- Restriction
- Its sale was prohibited in Maharashtra.
- Labelling claims questioned
- “7 years old blended” and “very old vatted”
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Agreed packaging changes
- Remove “7 years old blended” and prominently display “added flavor”
- Next hearing
- September 3
Quotes
Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge
Bombay High Court judge who questioned Old Monk’s ageing claim
“How we wish every citizen of this country was so educated to understand all this!”
freepressjournal.in
“You are misleading the public… 7 years old means 7 years old!”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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