Kerala: Logo naming contest not promotion of liquor, Kerala HC told | Kochi News
Kochi: Excise commissioner M R Ajith Kumar has filed a counter affidavit in high court stating that Malabar Distilleries’ advertisement inviting suggestions for the name and logo of a proposed new liquor brand did not promote any existing brand or encourage the public to buy or consume liquor.The counter affidavit was filed in response to petitions filed by Chintu Kurian Joy, a social worker from Kottayam, and others, challenging the advertisement. The affidavit stated that Section 55H of the Kerala Abkari Act prescribes punishment for advertisements soliciting the use of or offering any liquor or intoxicating drug. However, it contended that the advertisement in question neither promoted any existing brand nor invited the public to buy or consume liquor.The affidavit further stated that the advertisement did not contain any brand name or display any bottle, label, logo or identifiable liquor product. It merely invited suggestions from the public for selecting a name and logo for a proposed product. Additionally, it argued that Section 55H does not prohibit preparatory acts relating to a future product but penalises only advertisements that solicit the use or offering of liquor.Earlier, while considering the petitions, HC had issued an interim stay on further proceedings pursuant to the advertisement allegedly issued by Malabar Distilleries. HC is scheduled to consider the petitions on March 12.
