Supreme Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking nation-wide liquor ban

Alcohol consumption in India has increased by a worrying 55% over the last two decades – between 1992 and 2012.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking complete ban on alcohol in the country, saying the courts cannot venture into the policy domain of states.

Alcohol consumption in India has increased by a worrying 55% over the last two decades – between 1992 and 2012. (HT file photo)

A bench of justices A K Sikri and N V Ramana said framing of national liquor policy is part of the directive principles of state policy under the Constitution and this was the area where the executive have all the rights.

Ashwini Upadhyay, a lawyer and Delhi BJP spokesperson who had filed the plea, withdrew his petition saying he would submit a representation to the Union health ministry for framing of the national liquor policy as per the spirit of the Constitution.