"Why Can't States Impose Curbs?" Supreme Court To Centre On Hooch Tragedies

A nine-judge constitution bench is examining the issue of overlapping powers of the Centre and states in the production, manufacturing, supply and regulation of industrial alcohol.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought to know from the Centre why the states, as the custodians of the health of citizens, cannot impose regulations on industrial alcohol and levy fees to ensure that its abuse does not take place.

A nine-judge constitution bench is examining the issue of overlapping powers of the Centre and states in the production, manufacturing, supply and regulation of industrial alcohol.

"We all know about hooch tragedies and the states are widely concerned about the health of its citizens. Why should the states not have the power to regulate? If they can regulate to ensure that there is no misuse, then it can impose any fees," the bench headed by Chief Justice D Chandrachud asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre.