High Court stays further proceedings in new brandy naming contest

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has stayed all further proceedings related to a contest announced by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) inviting the public to suggest a name and logo for a proposed premium brandy. The interim order was issued on a petition filed by Congress leader M.M. Sanjeev Kumar from Kollam. Reports had earlier stated that a cash prize of Rs 10,000 would be awarded for selecting a name and logo for the new brandy to be manufactured by Malabar Distilleries under BEVCO. Challenging the move, Sanjeev Kumar approached the High Court.

In his petition, he contended that the proposal violates the Abkari Rules and argued that a government-owned company should not promote liquor in such a manner. During the hearing, BEVCO informed the court that it is not manufacturing any such brandy and has not issued any notification inviting suggestions for a name or logo. However, Malabar Distilleries made a separate submission in the case. After hearing the initial arguments, the court ordered a stay on the conduct of the contest until further proceedings. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on March 12. The advertisement announcing the Rs 10,000 prize had earlier sparked controversy.