Kerala HC directs Excise Commissioner to disclose steps taken to implement prohibitory measures to curb underage alcohol consumption

A view of the Kerala High Court. File | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotos

The Kerala High Court has directed the State Excise Commissioner to disclose measures taken or possible suggestions to implement the prohibition on underage persons consuming alcohol, to save the public from danger.

Justice A. Badharudeen was considering a plea Vinod Vikraman Pillai of Kollam raising concern over the non-compliance of the provisions of the Kerala Abkari Act, which prohibit the sale, service and consumption of alcohol by persons below 23 years. The petitioner pointed out that the authority concerned had a duty to implement this law. 

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. It observed that there was a current trend where children of 16 years were showing sufficient maturity, and held that this aspect would also need to be addressed while considering the petition. 

The court observed that the petition would require a detailed hearing in light of recent incidents where persons under 18 years caused a fatal motor vehicle accident after allegedly consuming alcohol. The court noted that the liquor availability was unrestricted and that the “pervasive service of liquor to underage persons in licensed premises” constituted a dereliction of duty. 

Published - November 14, 2026 11:46 am IST