AGE NO BAR

Alcohol law in India is a subject of state list under seventh schedule of the constitution of India. Thus, no uniformity of law across the nation. Liquor consumption is banned in the states of Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, Nagaland and the union territory of Lakshadweep.

Drinking age in Delhi and other states like Maharashtra and Punjab has always been a subject of great controversy. People and the government have often argued about the justification of this limit at 25. There have been myriads of arguments by the supporters of this limitation. One of the major reasons is that the youth is not mature enough to drink responsibly. After drinking they indulge in rash driving and other miscreant activities.  The strongest counter argument posed against this is that If a person can be mature enough to vote, get married, have consensual sex, join Indian army and serve the nation at the age of 18 and 21, then why not responsible enough to drink? Many have pointed out that, in a certain way it is restricting our freedom of choice. To drink, not to drink and when to drink is an absolutely personal choice and government interference is not required here.

In states like Goa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Assam, where the age bar is set low, there has been no concrete evidence that people who have been drinking since a younger age grow up to be irresponsible citizens or have harmed the culture of the state, or that there have been any ill effects on their mental and physical growth.

Prithiviraj Chavan, ex-CM of Maharashtra said that, “The age limit is everywhere. We debated the issue because we faced a question whether we should discourage or encourage [drinking] culture in our state.”, when the age bar was increased in the state. On reacting to the same, Bollywood actor Imran khan said, "I am really disturbed by the state's perception that the youth of today are a bunch of idiots. I am working with my legal team and plan to draft a petition."

What also needs to be highlighted is that there has been no strict and proper implementation of these laws. There is no check of identity at bars and other places serving and selling liquor. Anyone and everyone can easily manage to get some. Thus, ultimately there is no relevance of having set the bar so high! This is the real problem. Setting a bar is not going to help. What is required is to create awareness and impose some strict penalties on the wrong – doers.

The accompanying video is an attempt to accentuate the loopholes of the system and emphasizes upon what the youth thinks about this law!

- By SHREYA MEHRA

(Member Team Epsilon)