Madhya Pradesh High Court Issues Notice To State On Plea Concerning Overpricing Of Liquor

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf observed, “Respondents are directed to file an Affidavit indicating (i) number of complaints received and/or raids conducted with regard to allegation of sale beyond the maximum retail price from 01.04.2025 till 15.06.2025, (ii) in case any infraction was found, what action was taken and (iii) the respondents shall also state as to what final action was taken in the case referred to by the petitioner as per Annexure P/5.”

A public interest litigation was filed highlighting the gross illegalities and flagrant violation of the statutory provisions of law and guidelines by illegal practice of overpricing liquor beyond the MRP being done by certain liquor vendors in the state.

The plea states that respondents, particularly the Excise Department, are under a statutory duty to regulate and control the sale of liquor, ensuring adherence to MRP under the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915, and rules framed thereunder.

The plea alleges that several liquor venders have been openly selling liquor at inflated prices, thus, exploiting consumers. The plea states that the petitioner had submitted several complaints to the District Excise Officer and the Commissioner of Excise. However, no effective action had been taken to cancel the license of the erring vendors.

Thus, the petitioner prayed before the Court to direct the Respondents to take immediate action against liquor shops selling liquor above the prescribed MRP and ensure strict compliance with pricing regulations.

The petitioner further prayed to issue a writ of mandamus directing the Excise Department to cancel the license of the liquor vendors violating the MRP rules and impose penalties as per the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915.

The matter is listed after four weeks.

Case Title: Adv Deepanshu Sahu Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, WP No. 18037 Of 2025

Counsel for Petitioner: Advocate Amit Khatri

Counsel for Respondent/State: Advocate Anubhav Jain