The Kerala High Court on Thursday (February 12, 2026) granted an interim stay on a competition announced by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) inviting the public to suggest a name and logo for a new brandy brand to be produced at its Palakkad distillery.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syama Kumar VM passed the order while hearing two public interest litigations challenging the management of the competition. The petitioners argued that the initiative would set a harmful precedent and encourage the consumption of spirits, which could prompt private distillery companies to adopt similar practices. They further argued that the contest violated provisions of the Abkari Act, which prescribes penalties for illegal advertising.
However, Bevco said it was a government-owned state corporation and claimed it had not issued any official announcement or press statement regarding the competition.
The matter was remanded for further hearing on March 12.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 21:05 IST