Supreme Court of India Rules on Industrial Alcohol Regulation
The Supreme Court of India has made a significant ruling regarding the regulation of industrial alcohol. On Wednesday, a nine-judge bench decided that the Central government does not have the power to control the production of industrial alcohol. Instead, this authority lies with the state governments.
Details of the Ruling
The decision was reached with a majority of 8:1, with Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Abhay S Oka, BV Nagarathna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Ujjal Bhuyan, Satish Chandra Sharma, and Augustine George Masih presiding over the case. The court stated that the term ‘intoxicating liquor’ in the Constitution’s State List includes industrial alcohol, thus granting states the power to regulate it.
Dissenting Opinion
Justice BV Nagarathna provided a dissenting opinion, suggesting that the Central government should have the legislative power over industrial alcohol.
Overruling Previous Judgement
This ruling overturns a 1990 judgment by a seven-judge bench, which had previously stated that ‘intoxicating liquors’ referred only to drinkable alcohol, thereby excluding industrial alcohol from state regulation.
Implications
The decision clarifies the legislative powers between the Centre and states, particularly concerning industrial alcohol, which is not intended for human consumption. Various states had contested the Centre’s claim of exclusive control over this matter.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court of India -: The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country. It makes important decisions on legal issues and ensures that laws are followed correctly.
Industrial Alcohol -: Industrial alcohol is a type of alcohol used for industrial purposes, like making products such as paints and cleaning agents. It is not meant for drinking.
State Governments -: In India, state governments are the governing bodies of each state. They have the power to make laws and decisions on certain matters within their state.
Central Government -: The Central Government, also known as the Union Government, is the national government of India. It makes laws and decisions for the entire country.
Nine-judge bench -: A nine-judge bench means that nine judges from the Supreme Court came together to make a decision on this case. It is a large group of judges, which shows the importance of the case.
8:1 majority -: An 8:1 majority means that out of the nine judges, eight agreed on the decision, while one did not. This shows that most judges had the same opinion.
1990 judgment -: The 1990 judgment was a previous decision made by the Supreme Court regarding who should regulate industrial alcohol. The new ruling has changed that decision.
Intoxicating liquor -: Intoxicating liquor refers to any type of alcohol that can make people drunk. In this context, it includes industrial alcohol, even though it is not for drinking.
Justice BV Nagarathna -: Justice BV Nagarathna is one of the judges in the Supreme Court of India. She disagreed with the majority decision in this case.
Legislative powers -: Legislative powers are the authority to make laws. In India, both the Central and state governments have certain legislative powers.