9 months ago
Supreme Court Questions Liquor Tetra Packs, Citing Child Access Risks
The Supreme Court is worried about liquor being sold in boxes that look like juice boxes.
They think this is dangerous because kids might take it to school without anyone knowing.
The judges asked why state governments allow this, suggesting they care more about making money than protecting children's health.
This discussion happened during a fight between two whisky companies, Officer's Choice and Original Choice, over their similar names and labels.
The court wants these companies to sort out their argument and also think about the public's safety regarding the packaging.
They even appointed a retired judge to help them reach an agreement.
Supreme Court criticized state governments for allowing liquor in tetra packs resembling juice boxes.
The court expressed concern that such packaging is dangerous and could lead to children accessing alcohol discreetly.
A trademark dispute between Officer’s Choice and Original Choice was heard simultaneously.
The Supreme Court appointed a former judge as a mediator to help resolve the trademark dispute.
The court urged both companies to consider the public interest regarding the tetra pack packaging.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, John Distilleries Pvt Ltd (Original Choice), Allied Blenders and Distilleries Pvt Ltd (Officer's Choice)
- What
- Supreme Court criticized state governments for allowing liquor sales in tetra packs resembling juice boxes, citing child safety concerns, while also hearing a trademark dispute between two whisky brands.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- When
- Monday
- Why
- To address concerns about the deceptive packaging of liquor in tetra packs and to mediate a long-standing trademark dispute between two major whisky brands.
State Governments
Supreme Court
Permitting Liquor in Tetra Packs
State Governments
Focus on earning revenue from liquor sales, allowing packaging that resembles juice boxes.
Supreme Court
Concerned that tetra packs are dangerous and deceptive, enabling children to discreetly carry alcohol to schools and deceive parents.
Key facts
- Brands Involved
- John Distilleries Pvt Ltd (Original Choice) and Allied Blenders and Distilleries Pvt Ltd (Officer's Choice)
- Supreme Court Justices
- Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi
- Mediator Appointed
- Former Supreme Court judge L Nageswara Rao
- Madras High Court Ruling Date
- November 7
- Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) Decision Year
- 2013
Quotes
Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi
A bench of Justices at the Supreme Court of India
“Should this at all be permitted. We think this is very dangerous. It can be taken to schools or colleges by the students in their bags. Parents can be easily deceived.”
NDTV
news18.com
“How did the governments permit these kinds of packets. If someone files public interest litigation, we would like to examine.”
news18.com
Justice Kant
A Justice at the Supreme Court of India
“How did the governments permit these kinds of packets. If someone files public interest litigation, we would like to examine.”
NDTV
“it's very serious”
NDTV
Justice Bagchi
A Justice at the Supreme Court of India
“Just understand how many tons are wasted on health because of earning revenue... trading on the health of the people.”
NDTV
news18.com
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Appearing for Allied Blenders
“only interested in earning revenue.”
news18.com
Sources
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