SRINIVASAN, J.:- A. INTRODUCTION.

[Matter in vernacular omitted - Ed.]

(Thirukkural : 923)

"The sight of the man who is intoxicated is an abomination even unto the mother that bore him; what must it be then to the worthy?"*

(Translation by Sri V. V. S. Aiyar)

So said Tiruvalluvar 2000 years ago. But obviously the words have not had the desired effect on mankind.

2. Article 47 of the Constitution of India enjoins the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health except for medicinal purposes. Four decades and more have elapsed since the advent of the Constitution. But no effective steps could be taken by any State for eradicating the evil. When the sagely advice of the Saint has failed to achieve its purpose for thousands of years, there is no wonder that the provision in the Constitution remains static. The problem is not confined to this country. It is present all over the world, and it has attracted the attention of the reformers and Legislators in all ages and at all times almost from the beginning of civilised society. But no country has yet succeeded in enforcing total prohibition. In 1