On May 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of India sought responses from the Central and State governments regarding the inconsistent definitions of 'bottle' in excise laws, which have resulted in misleading packaging of alcoholic beverages. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed alarm over the deceptive marketing practices that label cheap alcohol as 'fruit juice', highlighting products like 'green apple' vodka and 'Bunty Premium Vodka'. Advocate Vipin Nair, representing the petitioner NGO Community Against Drunken Driving, argued that these practices target underage consumers and pose significant public health risks. The petition pointed out that the vague definitions of 'bottle' in various state laws allow for inconspicuous packaging in portable PET bottles and tetra packs, which can mislead consumers. Nair urged the court to direct the government to establish a standardized definition to protect public health and prevent the liquor lobby from exploiting loopholes for profit. The petition also raised concerns about the environmental risks and the lack of prominent health warnings on such packaging, contrasting it with cigarette packaging regulations.