Patna: The Patna High Court has quashed an FIR linked to a widely publicised dispute over beer-like packaging used for energy drinks, bringing a dramatic end to a case that triggered raids, arrests and speculation across Bihar’s prohibition-bound districts.
Justice Alok Kumar Pandey, hearing a petition filed by Kumari Poonam, ruled that the case could not be sustained after every laboratory test — including forensic examination — confirmed that the seized beverages contained no alcohol whatsoever.
A controversy sparked by a news report
The matter began after a media report alleged that certain firms were selling beer disguised as energy drinks, allegedly using packaging and names resembling well-known brands such as Thunder Bolt and Kingfisher.
Following the publication, police at Ramakrishnanagar station lodged a case invoking IPC sections 419 and 420, as well as sections 30(A), 35(C) and 32 of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act.
Investigators claimed that products seized during raids — including WFM Super Strong, Thousand Bolt, Kalalon Golden and Kingfarmer — contained 4–5% alcohol, prompting arrests of two employees associated with the firm.
State alleged misuse of ‘beer-style’ branding
In court, the state argued that despite total prohibition in Bihar, the company used “beer-like’’ branding and design to mislead consumers.
But the defence countered that every product had undergone mandatory lab checks before entering the market and all were certified alcohol-free. They added that the firm held a valid licence from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, New Delhi, placing the beverages firmly in the energy-drink category.
Court: No alcohol detected, FIR unsustainable
Justice Pandey observed that repeated testing, including by the state’s own forensic laboratory, found zero traces of alcohol, making it unjustifiable to continue the criminal proceedings.
