The Chief Justice of India Justice UU Lalit led Division bench dismissed a petition filed by one Viniyog Parivar Trust as PIL wherein the petitioner had sought for a national policy for the prevention of Alcohol. 

It was argued by the advocate for the petitioner that some of the  states have completely banned liquor whereas other states have encouraged the sale of Liquor in those states. The petitioner supported its case with some Government Reports on the serious impact of Alcohol on the human body.

It was argued by the petitioner that the scope of nonregulation by the center is not correct. He further argued that people who are addicted to Liquor have violent tendencies which not only affect society at large but also leave a bad impact on children.

The Chief Justice of India said "But then, we will be virtually commanding them to have policies on this. It is their discretion when it comes to the concurrent lists. Correct? Because there are state-level legislations which are in the field, therefore, the union agencies may as per their discretion decide if they wish to intervene." "These are not purely matters for social reform. Integrally connected with them is the revenue issue. And many of the states depend upon the revenue which is generated from Liquor. If we try to do something, what will happen with the sources of revenue? And those revenues might be in turn utilized for social upliftment. These are not matters for the court to enter into."

Justice Ravindra Bhat said "Even if we ask the government, and the government comes out with something and we direct them to study, then say make a law. They say we won't. Do we make the guidelines ourselves?"

Justice Lalit then said, "If we go in one direction, it would pull the state revenue in another direction."

The Petitioner withdrew the PIL.

Case Details:-

Writ Petition (C) No. 894/2021
VINIYOG PARIVAR TRUST ...Petitioner
Versus
UNION OF INDIA ...Respondent