The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark ruling on October 23, has declared that the central government does not possess regulatory authority over the production of industrial alcohol. The nine-judge Constitution Bench delivered an 8:1 majority verdict, overturning a previous 1997 judgment. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, writing for himself and seven other judges, emphasized that the power to regulate and tax industrial alcohol lies with the states. Justice B V Nagarathna dissented from the majority opinion. Industrial alcohol, which is used in various industries such as cleaners, cosmetics, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, is not meant for human consumption. The ruling reaffirms the states' authority to make laws on intoxicating liquor, ensuring that their regulatory power cannot be taken away.