Guidelines Against Manufacturing and Selling of Fake Pharma Drugs

On November 29, 2024, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition filed by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) regarding the absence of procedural guidelines for initiating criminal proceedings against counterfeit drug manufacturers and sellers. 

The IPA argues that this lack of clarity violates fundamental rights under Article 21 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution. 

The petition seeks a direction from the Union government to establish clear guidelines for investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in counterfeit drug production. Citing incidents such as the September 2024 raid in Kolkata, the IPA highlights the severe health risks posed by counterfeit drugs, which not only endanger public health but also damage the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.