The Supreme Court has permitted the Action Alliance for Recycling Beverage Cartons (AARC) to become a party to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging state excise policies that allow liquor to be sold in carton packaging.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, R. Mahadevan and Aparesh Kumar Singh approved AARC's impleadment application in the case of Community Against Drunken Driving vs Union of India & Ors., registered as Writ Petition (Civil) No. 475 of 2026.

The PIL challenges state policies permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages in cartons and sachets. The petitioner has raised concerns that such packaging could make alcohol easier to conceal and facilitate underage consumption and public drinking.

AARC Defends Carton Packaging

Seeking to join the proceedings, AARC submitted that it represents carton manufacturers and alcoholic beverage brand owners whose commercial interests could be affected by the outcome of the case.

The association argued that carton packaging helps prevent adulteration and the circulation of counterfeit or spurious liquor. It also pointed out that alcoholic beverages have been sold in cartons for approximately 21 years, contending that the petition should not be entertained after such a prolonged period.

AARC was represented by Senior Advocate Arvind Datar, instructed by Trust Legal partners Sudhir Mishra, Ritwika Nanda and Petal Chandhok.

The Supreme Court's order allows the association to participate in the proceedings. The underlying challenge to state excise policies remains the central issue in the case.