Should the juvenile age of 16 become the line for children in conflict with law? The Kerala High Court has asked the legislature to consider it while examining a petition about liquor being served to people below 23. The interim order seeks a statement on enforcement of the Abkari Act; it does not itself change the age threshold.
Ernakulam: Concern over fatal accidents involving young people who consume alcohol has led the Kerala High Court to call for legislative consideration of the age at which children are treated as juveniles or children in conflict with law [Vinod Vikraman Pillai v. State of Kerala & Others].
Justice A. Badharudeen, in an order dated November 13, 2026, admitted the criminal writ petition after hearing both sides and said the issues required a detailed hearing. The matter will be considered further on November 24.
An account of enforcement is what the Court has asked for
The operative direction is addressed to the third respondent, who must file a statement setting out the directions already issued to implement Sections 15A and 15B. That statement must also offer possible suggestions for putting those requirements into effect so that the public is protected from danger.
So the step ordered now is an explanation of enforcement and proposed measures. The petition remains pending, and the brief order does not finally decide the allegations of non-compliance.
Liquor served to the underage, says the petitioner
Paragraph 2 of the order records the petitioner’s grievance. Sections 15A and 15B of the Kerala Abkari Act restrict the sale, service and consumption of liquor by persons below 23 years and require the authorities to secure compliance. According to the petitioner, liquor continued to be served to underage persons at licensed premises, which he said amounted to a failure of statutory duty.
The Court referred to recent incidents in which persons below 18 caused fatal accidents after consuming alcohol. It voiced concern at easy access to liquor despite the statutory restrictions and found that the petition called for fuller examination.
A suggestion for the legislature, not a change in the law
In paragraph 2, continuing on page 3, the judge said the legislature should consider appropriate amendments to statutes dealing with juveniles and children in conflict with law to reduce the age to 16. The observation rested on the Court’s assessment of a trend towards sufficient maturity by that age.
It remains a suggestion made in a pending proceeding. No statute has been amended, no direction has been given that children aged 16 be treated as adults, and the criminal responsibility of anyone involved in an accident has not been decided.
Case Title: Vinod Vikraman Pillai v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: WP(Crl.) No. 1746 of 2026
Court: High Court of Kerala
Bench: Justice A. Badharudeen
Date of Order: November 13, 2026
For the Petitioner: U. Jayakrishnan
Status: Writ petition admitted; statement directed from the third respondent; next consideration on November 24, 2026. Interim order; matter pending.
