Mumbai, June 17: Bollywood actor Imran Khan is set to file a PIL challenging the new law in Maharashtra which prevents those below the age of 25 from drinking. Khan is in discussions with his lawyers to file a PIL on his behalf. Born in the US, the overseas citizen of India cannot file a PIL on his own.
“I feel that as members of a democratic society it is our duty to stand out and ask whether the government is doing the right thing.
Recent decision of the state government to raise the drinking age from 21 to 25 is illogical and counter productive. We all complain about things without doing anything. This is why I want to file this PIL requesting the government to review the law,” the 27-year-old actor said.
The Maharashtra government has increased the legal age for alcohol purchase and drinking from 21 to 25 years.
“It is contrary to our Constitution. If you say that alcohol is free then those legally adult should have the right to choose whether they want to partake in it or not. It is not about alcohol, it is about the freedom of choice,” the “Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa” star says.
Interestingly, the actor's statement comes at a time when his upcoming film “Delhi Belly”, pegged as a youth oriented film, is all set to hit theatres in July. He is finding supportive voices in the industry. Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan too criticised the new regulation.
“On drinking age limit increase to 25! Err... old and mature enough to vote for the country, or join army and fight for the nation... but not old and mature enough to be told when you are allowed to drink ??? Strange?!!!! (sic),” Bachchan tweeted.
“If you can vote, get married, have children, drive a car... why on earth can't you drink? It's ridiculous, we are not living in the dark ages,” was actress Sonam Kapoor's reaction on Twitter. PTI
