Taking suo motu cognisance of a communication received in the Chief Justice's secretariat, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought responses from both the state and central governments over serious concerns regarding the ban on manufacture and distribution of 26 pharmaceutical products manufactured in Himachal.
Court's Observations
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi observed that the matter stems from directions issued by the Drug Controller General of India, asking state authorities to halt the manufacture and distribution of 26 drugs produced by 19 pharma firms based in Baddi, Solan, Paonta Sahib and Kangra.
Public Health Concerns
Noting that these drugs are suspected to pose potential risks to public health and safety, the High Court also took note of media reports on the issue, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate scrutiny.
The High Court directed that key central agencies, including the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the Directorate General of Health Services, be impleaded as respondents in the case. The matter will now be heard along with an already pending public interest litigation on the issue on June 18.
