Bombay HC Refuses Immediate Stay On Old Monk Sales Ban In Maharashtra Over Labelling Concerns

Mumbai, August 31, 2026: The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to issue an immediate stay on the Maharashtra ban on Old Monk rum sales due to labeling concerns. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad scrutinized packaging descriptions, such as "7 years old blended" and "very old vatted," expressing worry that such claims might deceive consumers.

The dispute emerged from orders issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had banned the sale of Old Monk in Maharashtra for alleged labeling non-compliance and the use of artificial flavorings. The court expressed concern that an average consumer could interpret these labels as indicating that the entire spirit had been aged for seven years.

"You are misleading the public… 7 years old means 7 years old!" remarked Acting Chief Justice Ghuge. Senior Advocate Navroz Seervai, representing the manufacturer Mohan Rocky Springwater, argued that the label differentiated blended spirits in accordance with statutory guidelines, but the court remained unconvinced, questioning whether ordinary consumers could grasp such technicalities.

"How we wish every citizen of this country was so educated to understand all this!" quipped the bench. The court also raised questions regarding the disclosure of added flavorings, as it could not locate relevant information on the packaging. Seervai contended that FSSAI regulations permit certain approved flavorings in neutral spirits and that all ingredients were listed.

He also alleged that Old Monk was being specifically targeted. The manufacturer agreed to modify its packaging, remove the "7 years old blended" label and prominently display "added flavor." The High Court directed the manufacturer to submit a revised digitally printed draft label. The matter will be heard on September 3.