The Kerala High Court has issued notice to the State government and the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) on public interest litigations challenging a contest floated by Bevco inviting members of the public to suggest a name and logo for a new brand of brandy proposed to be manufactured at a distillery in Palakkad.
The court has directed the government and Bevco to file affidavits in response to the petitions.
Among others, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) criticised the naming contest, describing it as a form of surrogate advertising for liquor and warning that it could send a wrong message to society, particularly to children and youth.
Meanwhile, Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh stated that the government had no role in the contest, clarifying that the advertisement was issued by Bevco in its capacity as a company.
Published – January 20, 2026 09:51 pm IST
