The Karnataka government has withdrawn its ban on the sale of 12 soft drinks, including Pepsi and Coca-Cola, in and around educational institutions, hospitals and government offices.

The government's decision was conveyed to the Karnataka High Court in a memo placing a notification of December 14 that withdraws the ban, official sources said.

The ban came into effect August 14, when the government said samples of the soft drinks contained pesticides above the permissible limits. This was challenged by Pepsico India Holdings Limited and another petitioner.

Soft Drinks, Hard Truths