• UGI USER
  • Apr 10, 2024
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SUPREME COURT QUERIES CENTRE’S STRICT STANCE ON INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL REGULATION.

Why in the news?

Supreme Court questions Centre’s control over industrial alcohol, highlighting concerns about its misuse and impact on public health.

About the Supreme Court’s Inquiry:

  • A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court inquired about the Centre’s rigid stance on industrial alcohol control.
  • The Court questioned the Centre’s reluctance to allow states to regulate industrial alcohol, citing concerns about its conversion to potable liquor and its impact on public health.
  • States argued that they should have the authority to regulate industrial alcohol to prevent its misuse for human consumption, highlighting their role as guardians of public health.
  • Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud questioned the Centre’s disconnected approach, emphasising the need for state-level regulations to avert liquor-related tragedies.
source:slideshare
What is the Constitutional Framework Regarding Industrial Alcohol?

  • State List (Entry 8):Under 7th Schedule of the Indian Constitution grants states authority over laws concerning intoxicating liquors.
  • Union List (Entry 52): Empowers Parliament to legislate on industries in the public interest.
  • Concurrent List (Entry 33): Allows both states and the Centre to legislate on industries with some limitations.

Legal Interpretation:

  • Industrial alcohol regulation governed by Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951.
  • Act implies central control, though Concurrent List permits both state and central regulation without contradiction.

source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-questions-centres-rigid-position-on-control-over-industrial-alcohol/article68047651.ece#:~:text=A%20nine%2Djudge%20Constitution%20Bench,a%20grave%20threat%20to%20public