Diageo challenges India rum ban, arguing lack of due process

Online court records show the challenge was briefly heard on Monday in Mumbai's High Court, but the judge denied any immediate relief and asked the federal government to respond by August 19.

Ingredients on the McDowell's bottle said it contained artificial flavour (rum), but FSSAI argued that "flavor of rum should be characteristic based on the natural ingredients, fermentation processes, and maturation techniques," according to the regulator's prohibition order contained in court papers.

Separately, Indian inspectors last week seized around 18,000 boxes of Diageo liquor bottles for allegedly lacking markings to show they were made using safe recycled plastic, widening the scrutiny, Reuters reported on Monday.

Diageo, which has dubbed India its "consumer market of the decade", has said it complies with the law.