A public interest case has been filed in the Kerala High Court against an advertisement issued by Malabar Distilleries. The advertisement invited the public to suggest a name and logo for a new liquor brand, offering a reward for the selected ideas.
The petition was filed by Chintu Kurian Joy, a social worker from Kottayam. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice V. M. Syam Kumar heard the matter and has postponed the case, along with another similar petition, to January 20.
In his petition, Joy said that the advertisement promotes a liquor product. He pointed out that the new brand is planned to be produced at the company’s distillery in Menonpara, Chittur, in Palakkad district.
He argued that inviting people to take part in naming and designing a liquor brand goes against the law. According to him, the advertisement violates Articles 14, 21, and 47 of the Indian Constitution, as well as Section 55H of the Kerala Abkari Act. This law strictly bans any advertisement that promotes or encourages the use of liquor or intoxicating substances.
Joy also claimed that the advertisement indirectly encourages liquor consumption and branding, which defeats the purpose of the Abkari Act meant to restrict liquor promotion.
