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Health
Supreme Court Scrutinises Gujarat’s Liquor Ban After 600+ Poisoned Deaths
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 19 Sep 2026, 08:31 PM
👁 8
The Supreme Court has questioned Gujarat’s total prohibition on alcohol after more than 600 deaths were linked to poisonous illicit liquor, highlighting gaps in the state’s ban enforcement.
The apex court has taken up a petition that challenges the effectiveness of Gujarat’s complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. In its observations, the bench highlighted that despite the prohibition, more than 600 people have died in recent years after consuming spurious liquor that contained lethal toxins.
The court noted that the high death toll points to a failure in curbing the illegal production and distribution networks that thrive under the ban. It urged the state government to present a detailed report on the steps taken to prevent the manufacture of poisonous brews and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s intervention could prompt a review of the prohibition policy, balancing public health concerns with the realities of a black market. The state has previously defended the ban as a measure to protect citizens, but the court’s remarks suggest a need for more robust safeguards.
The petition also called for better awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for those involved in illicit liquor trade. The matter is expected to be heard in further hearings, with the court likely to issue directives that could reshape Gujarat’s approach to alcohol regulation.
The court noted that the high death toll points to a failure in curbing the illegal production and distribution networks that thrive under the ban. It urged the state government to present a detailed report on the steps taken to prevent the manufacture of poisonous brews and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Legal experts say the Supreme Court’s intervention could prompt a review of the prohibition policy, balancing public health concerns with the realities of a black market. The state has previously defended the ban as a measure to protect citizens, but the court’s remarks suggest a need for more robust safeguards.
The petition also called for better awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for those involved in illicit liquor trade. The matter is expected to be heard in further hearings, with the court likely to issue directives that could reshape Gujarat’s approach to alcohol regulation.