Bombay High Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Cancer Warning On All Alcohol Bottles

The Bombay High Court on Thursday (January 30) sought the stand of centre, state and FSSAI in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking cancer warning on all alcohol bottles.A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre today issued notices to the Centre, State Government and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The petition states that the consumer has a right to know about the contents and information of the products in the entire form. It is stated that alcohol bottles require a specific and bold mention in labelling the risks of cancer. The petition makes reference to Article 47 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy regarding the State's duty to improve public health and prohibit the use of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health. Further, it refers to Part 5 of Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations Act 2018, which mandates specific labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages.The petition further states that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared alcohol as a Class I carcinogen. It is stated that a WHO report highlights that over 3 million deaths are caused due to alcohol consumption. The petition states that countries like Ireland and South Korea have mandated warnings linking alcohol consumption to cancer.It is stated that the incorporation of cancer warning would create awareness of the health hazards of consumption of alcohol and thus would likely lead to a significant reduction in consumption. The petitioner thus prays that the Union of India, State of Maharashtra and FSSAI to add a cancer warning label on all alcohol bottles.Case title: Yash Chilwar vs. Union of India & Ors. (PIL/5/2025)Click Here To Read/Download Order

Bombay High Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Cancer Warning On All Alcohol Bottles

Sanjana Dadmi

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