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The state government had issued a notification on 28 November 2025 regarding increasing the rates of liquor in the state, which IGL Liquor Company challenged in the High Court and said that the government’s notification is wrong. This should be banned.
Nainital: Liquor prices are not going to increase in Uttarakhand now. Because Uttarakhand High Court has banned the notification increasing the price of liquor. On Tuesday, the court issued notice to the Government Secretary Excise and the Director Excise and sought their reply within 3 weeks. The court has held that prices cannot be tampered with in the middle of an excise year. Actually, the state government had issued a notification on 28 November 2025 regarding increasing the rates of liquor in the state, which IGL Liquor Company challenged in the High Court and said that the government’s notification is wrong. This should be banned. It has been said in the petition that the formula which has been changed to increase the rates will make the prices much higher. After hearing the entire matter, the court has put a stay on the government’s notification.
Approval was given to impose 12 percent extra VAT
Let us tell you that by making important amendments in the Excise Policy 2025-26, the state government had approved the imposition of 12 percent additional VAT on the excise duty on liquor. After this decision, the prices of liquor in the state were going to increase compared to the current rate. According to sources, the new rates were to be applicable on all types of liquor bottles by December 15. After this, there would be a direct increase in the prices of domestic, foreign, beer and premium segment liquor available in the market. However, now the High Court has banned the government’s notification.
How expensive will the liquor be?
The impact of 12% additional VAT imposed by the government will directly hit the pockets of consumers. It is estimated that the price will increase by Rs 40 to Rs 100 per bottle. The increase may be higher on premium and imported brands. There is also a possibility of a significant increase in the prices of beer and IMFL. The Excise Department believes that this step will bring a big jump in the revenue income of the state.
