Why drug makers should not write veg or non-veg on their medicine labels?

Case - Italian Soaps and Toiletries Makers Association v Ozair Husain 2013

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 or the rules thereunto do not mandate the mentioning or displaying symbol of ingredients of non-vegetarian or vegetarian origin. The manufacturing or others are not required to mention 'vegetarian' or 'non-vegetarian' on the label of drugs or cosmetics. A citizen has the right to expression and receive information but such right can be limited by reasonable restriction under the law. It is imperative for the state to ensure the availability of the right to the citizens to receive information  but such information can be given to the extent it is available and possible.

In the present case, the Union of India had taken a plea that information relating to the ingredients of drug particularly those ingredients of non-vegetarian origin should not be given 'in the interest of general public'. A specific plea has been taken that it is not possible to distinguish the drugs whether these are life saving or otherwise.

In the given circumstances the condition of a patient may be such that a drug which is ordinarily not treated as life saving may be essential to save the life. In such a case when drug becomes a life saving drug, it may not be desirable for the patient or his attendant to know the origin of the ingredients of the drug ie., whether 'vegetarian' or 'non-vegetarian'. Such option cannot be left on the patient or his attendant if required to save the life or eradicate a disease.