Lately, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have been at losses following a State wide boycott of the beverages by thousands of shops and supermarkets.

On Thursday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court lifted its November 2016 stay that barred the soft drink companies from using the Thamirabarani river water for their bottling plants. A two judge bench of the HC dismissed the public interest litigation petitions filed by the Tirunelveli District Consumer Protection Association Secretary, questioning "Why are you not attacking other industries? Why have you opted a pick and choose method?"

The industries set up by the co-packers of Pepsi and Coca-Cola will now resume its water supply. The interim ban's uplift is half victory for the soft drink giants.

The petitioners against the Pepsi and Coke have however announced that they will move to Higher courts to restore the ban.