Regulators in Delhi are seeking to deny Pernod Ricard’s latest court case challenging the rejection of its city liquor licence. 

An ongoing battle since 2023, Pernod Ricard currently does not hold a licence in India’s capital, despite the country being its largest market globally by volume. 

According to officials, this is due to suspicions that Pernod colluded with retailers in Delhi to illegally boost its market share in 2021. 

Pernod has denied any wrongdoing, yet the city, which is home to more than 20 million people, remains without access to products from the company. 

A major financial loss, Reuters reported that the city previously accounted for around 5% of the company’s nationwide sales. 

In the latest update, the court is set to hear the new case today [14 May]. 

Potentially facing another rejection, Delhi authorities have described Pernod as a “risk” to the regulatory system. 

Meanwhile, Pernod told Reuters that it “continues to believe it should be permitted to operate in Delhi”. 

The spirits company said it has been wrongly penalised and has not been convicted in any case. 

It added that its business in the National Capital Territory has been “hopelessly fettered” due to the removal of its licence.