Delhi-HC seeks AAP's response on PIL for lowering drinking age
What's the story
The Delhi High Court today sought a response from the AAP government on a PIL filed by lawyer Kush Kalra seeking quashing of Section 23 of Delhi Excise Act, 2009 which prescribes 25 years as the legal age of drinking in Delhi.
The bench issued a notice to Delhi Excise Department on the plea which cited the lower minimum drinking age in other states.
The Plea
Plea seeks steps taken by govt to stop underage drinking
The plea has also sought to know what steps the Delhi government has taken towards prohibiting and regulating the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 25 years in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
In his plea, Kalra said that while the legal age to drink in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Telangana, Jharkhand was 21, in Rajasthan and Puducherry it was 18.
Confusion
People aged 18-25 years purchase alcohol without showing age proof
"A person coming to Delhi from a state which legalizes drinking at the age of 18 years is likely to continue consuming alcohol thus criminalizing their behavior," the plea said.
The petition also contended that according to reports about 67% of the population in the 18-25 years age group purchased alcohol from liquor vends but are never asked for age proof.
Responsible consumption
Plea seeks directions to conduct awareness programs
The plea has sought directions to the ruling AAP government to conduct awareness programs on responsible consumption of alcohol among college and school going students by including it in the academic curriculum.
The bench was headed by Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar.
The matter is listed for next hearing on October 9 this year.