Supreme Court Declines Fake-Drug PIL but Directs Authorities to Consider Petition

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a public interest petition concerning manufacture and sale of fake and counterfeit medicines, including cancer and other life-saving drugs.

What happened

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a public interest petition concerning manufacture and sale of fake and counterfeit medicines, including cancer and other life-saving drugs. The Court nevertheless directed that the petition be forwarded to the concerned Union authorities for consideration. Disposal of the PIL therefore does not amount to a judicial finding that the concerns are unfounded, nor does it create new regulatory standards. Responsibility now shifts to the competent executive authorities to examine the material and decide what action, if any, is warranted under existing drug-control law. The order preserves administrative consideration while bringing the present Supreme Court proceeding to an end.

Legal significance

The legal effect is confined to the present judgment, order or procedural development. Party allegations and submissions are not treated as established facts.

Practical consequence

The matter proceeds according to the operative direction, statutory process or next hearing described above.

Source: Original report