The Supreme Court of India overturned a prison term for a doctor found with unlicensed drugs, instead imposing a Rs 1 lakh fine. The ruling emphasizes that possessing a small quantity of medicines without disclosing the source does not endanger public interest, particularly when intent to sell or distribute remains unproven. This significant judgment provides legal protection for healthcare professionals stocking medicines for patient care.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that investigations under the Criminal Procedure Code for offenses under the Indian Penal Code are not prohibited by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, addressing a case involving substandard drugs and forged test reports posing serious public health risks from VADSP Pharmaceuticals. The court emphasized the critical need for transparency and integrity in the pharmaceutical industry to protect public health.
