And finally… village idiots

The punishment, first devised in Motipura in the state of Gujarat, sees drunkards placed in a rusty cage until they pay a fine.

A hotline has been set up for people to inform the authorities of their ne’er-do-well neighbours. Men are then sent to cage the offender until a fine of 2,500 rupees (£25) is satisfied.

In the morning, many offenders wake up to the sight of laughing schoolchildren.

One woman villager said: “We are happier now. Men are drinking less and it has brought peace to families.”