Mohan Meakin Limited vs State of Maharashtra and FSSAI — Old Monk labelling and sale restriction dispute

Updates

1. News13 Oct 2026

   Old Monk faces Rs 500 crore loss as FSSAI insists on 'rum-like' label

   Old Monk's manufacturer told the Bombay High Court that Maharashtra's sales bar has caused losses beyond Rs 500 crore in a dispute over labelling. The case now turns on whether the FSSAI will accept revised labels or insist the product be described as rum-like.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Regulators require the company to change product labels to describe the drink as rum-like.

   Who:

   Mohan Meakin Limited is the beverage company, the State of Maharashtra and FSSAI are the regulators, and the Bombay High Court is the legal body overseeing the case.

   When:

   Reported on 13 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Maharashtra and the Bombay High Court.

   Why:

   The food safety agency insists that the product labels must clearly describe the nature of the drink.

   What it means:

   The company faces a potential financial loss of 500 crore rupees while the dispute over labelling continues.

   India Today
2. News12 Oct 2026

   Old Monk sale ban has cost Maharashtra ₹350 crore in revenue: Company tells Bombay High Court

   The Maharashtra State Excise Department has lot approximately ₹350 crore in revenue due to the ongoing sales restraint on Old Monk rum, the rum's manufacturer M

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The company claims a ban on selling Old Monk has caused a large loss in state tax money.

   Who:

   Mohan Meakin Limited is the company, the State of Maharashtra is the government, the FSSAI is the food safety authority, and the Bombay High Court is the court hearing the matter.

   When:

   Reported on 12 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Bombay High Court, Maharashtra.

   Why:

   The company is reporting these financial losses to the court to address the restrictions on labelling and selling its product.

   What it means:

   The court is now reviewing the financial impact caused by the sale ban on the state.

   Bar and Bench