STATE OF KERALA vs KANDATH DISTILLERIES

The Supreme Court addressed whether the High Court can issue a Writ of Mandamus under Article 226 of the Constitution to compel the State to grant licenses for distilleries under the Foreign Liquor (Compounding, Blending and Bottling) Rules, 1975 and Section 14 of the Abkari Act. The Court held that the power to regulate the establishment of distilleries lies exclusively with the State Governments, affirming the principle that the State has the authority to control the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the High Court's decision.