“Expedite Framing Policy Relating To Online Sale Of Drugs”: Madras HC Tells Centre

The Madras High Court has recently instructed the Union government to expedite and finalize the policy concerning the online sale of drugs, as directed by the Delhi High Court on March 4, 2024.

A division bench comprising Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan issued this directive while disposing of appeals filed by M/s. Practo Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and seven others, challenging a December 2018 order that prohibited online trading of drugs and cosmetics.

The bench stated that until the Union government frames the policy or the Delhi High Court finally disposes of the matter, the current status quo shall continue.

However, the online sale of drugs must be conducted only through licensed druggists and chemists. Any violation of this condition will result in appropriate legal action against the offenders.

The bench highlighted that since the Delhi High Court is already handling the matter and the Union government is in the process of finalizing a new policy, it aimed to avoid inconsistencies in dealing with identical issues.

The forthcoming policy is expected to have significant implications, necessitating the Union government to consider various concerns raised by drug companies, stakeholders, and the public.

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