Bihar Prohibition Act Not Attracted to BIS-Compliant Non-Alcoholic Drinks’: Patna HC Quashes FIR

The Patna High Court has quashed an FIR against M/s Siddhi Enterprises and its staff for allegedly selling beer disguised as energy drinks.

Justice Alok Kumar Pandey held that the beverages fell within the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) definition of non-alcoholic drinks, allowing up to 0.5% v/v ethyl alcohol. 

The case originates from a 2017 raid after a newspaper report alleged products like “Thunder Bolt” and “Kingfermer” contained 4–5% alcohol. However, test results submitted by the petitioners showed 0.2–0.4% v/v ethanol, backed by a valid food license.

The Court held that the Bihar Prohibition Act prohibits only truly intoxicating alcoholic substances, not drinks compliant with BIS non-alcoholic norms.

[Kumari Punam, Proprietor of M/s Siddhi Enterprises v. The State Of Bihar]