Supreme Court Grants States Power to Regulate Industrial Alcohol

In a landmark 8:1 decision, the Supreme Court overturned a 1990 ruling, affirming states' rights over industrial alcohol regulation.

The Supreme Court's nine-judge bench ruled that states can regulate the production and distribution of industrial alcohol.
The decision overturns a 1990 judgment that granted regulatory control to the Centre, resolving a long-standing jurisdictional conflict.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud led the majority opinion, with Justice BV Nagarathna dissenting, supporting central control.
The ruling clarifies that 'intoxicating liquor' under the State List includes industrial alcohol, not just beverages for human consumption.
This is the second recent Supreme Court decision enhancing states' taxing powers, following a similar ruling on mines and minerals.