The Bombay High Court (HC) has directed the state and central governments to respond to a petition demanding cancer warnings on alcohol bottles. The PIL was filed by Yash Chilwar, a 24-year-old social activist from Pune. The plea demands mandatory labeling of the risks linked to alcohol consumption.
The petition names the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India, state and central authorities, and the World Health Organization (WHO) as respondents. It argues that alcohol is classified as a Class I carcinogen by the WHO. It also refers to the US surgeon general’s statement that alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer.
The PIL states that alcohol labels do not have this information. The petition says that consumers have the right to know the health risks of alcohol. It argues that proper labeling could help reduce harm and create awareness. It points out that tobacco products already carry cancer warnings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre is hearing the case. Chilwar’s lawyer, Pooja Phangekar, presented the case in court. She cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which directs the government to improve public health. She also noted that state governments have the power to regulate alcohol production and distribution.
The PIL refers to a June 25, 2024, report by the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization. The report states that alcohol use is linked to over 3 million deaths worldwide and calls for urgent action. It also claims that countries like South Korea and Ireland have already implemented cancer warnings on alcohol bottles.
The PIL seeks a directive for the Centre to create rules for enforcing cancer warnings on alcohol labels within a fixed timeframe. The court has now asked the authorities to file their responses.
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