Kerala HC directs Excise Commissioner to disclose steps taken to implement prohibitory measures to curb underage alcohol consumption
It was high time that the legislature considered appropriate amendments to the law to reduce the age of minority for juveniles and children in conflict with the law (CCL) to 16 years, the court opined
The Kerala High Court has ordered the State Excise Commissioner to reveal the steps undertaken or potential strategies to enforce prohibition on underage individuals consuming alcohol, in order to safeguard the public from potential harm. The High Court seeks the State's response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting a mechanism to implement cyber laws.
Justice A. Badharudeen is currently reviewing a plea filed by Vinod Vikraman Pillai of Kollam, expressing concern over the non-compliance with the provisions of the Kerala Abkari Act, which prohibits the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol by individuals under 23 years. The petitioner highlighted the authority's responsibility to enforce this law and suggested that the legislature should consider amendments to lower the age of minority for juveniles and children in conflict with the law (CCL) to 16 years.
The court pointed out that there is a prevailing trend of 16-year-old children demonstrating sufficient maturity, and this factor should be taken into account while considering the petition. Additionally, the court emphasized that recent incidents involving underage persons, aged 18 or below, causing fatal motor vehicle accidents after allegedly consuming alcohol, necessitate a detailed hearing.
The court also noted that alcohol availability remains unrestricted, and the "pervasive service of liquor to underage persons in licensed premises" represents a dereliction of duty.
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