India: Supreme Court to hear plea seeking nationwide ban on liquor

The PIL says liquor consumption is not in consonance with the Directive Principles of State Policy

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By Priyanka Mittal

September 21, 2016

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a plea seeking a nationwide prohibition of liquor on grounds of public health.

The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay said liquor consumption is not in consonance with the Directive Principles of State Policy, under which improving public health is among the primary duties of the State. This would include prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.

The petitioner said alcohol use should be restricted to medical purposes and sale of liquor and intoxicating drinks and drugs must be prohibited completely or allowed with strict conditions.

The petition claimed liquor consumption leads to blackouts, memory loss, anxiety and permanent brain damage. Alcohol causes hypertension, which increases the risk of heart attack. It also weakens heart muscles.

It is the root cause of most road accidents, road rages, crime against women, domestic violence, rape and murder and many other social evils, the petition said.

The case will be heard on 30 September.