Actor Imran Khan files PIL against age limit for consuming liquor

Actor Imran Khan filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against the state government’s decision to increase the age  for liquor consumption from 21 to 25 years.

“By this PIL I am not promoting drinking but fighting for the constitutional right of youth in India,” said the 28-year-old actor, who had come to file the PIL on Wednesday with his brother-in-law Vedant Malik, 22.

The PIL, filed through his counsel Ameet Naik, challenged the government’s decision in June to increase the age limit of liquor consumption from 21 years to 25 years.

“When a 21-year-old is allowed to marry, vote and do several other things, then he or she should be allowed to indulge in any legal activity, including consumption of liquor,” said Khan.  

The actor said the proposal infringes upon the fundamental rights of a citizen who lives in a democratic country. “If the government has not banned the sale of liquor, then anyone above the age of 21 should have the choice of consuming it. A major can decide for himself what is right and wrong,” he said. His PIL prays that the government notification be quashed.