A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay High Court, urging the Central and State governments, along with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to mandate cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles.

The petition, filed by social activist Yash Chilwar, highlights that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies alcohol as a Class I carcinogen—a substance known to cause cancer. However, this crucial information is not adequately conveyed to the public, the plea argues.

According to the petitioner, alcohol consumption poses a significant cancer risk, and bottles should carry clear and prominent warnings reflecting this fact. "Consumers have the right to complete and unambiguous information about the products they purchase," the plea contends.

The petition further notes that several developed nations, including Ireland and South Korea, have already implemented regulations requiring explicit cancer warnings on alcoholic beverage labels.