ISSUE:
Whether the amendments to the Karnataka Excise Rules mandating that licensees engaged in the manufacture or sale of liquor can sell only to a distributor license holder owned or controlled by the State Government, violate the appellant’s fundamental right under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution?
Whether the amendment to the Karnataka Excise Rules is beyond the scope of the delegated authority given to the State?
RULE:
The state has the authority to impose reasonable restrictions on trade, business, and commerce under Article 19(1)(g), as long as such restrictions serve a public purpose and are not arbitrary or discriminatory.