Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against Adulterated Ayurvedic Medicines

On Monday (04.11.2023), Supreme Court refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to challenge the adulteration of ayurvedic medicines across the country. The matter was listed before a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and comprised Justice JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. While noting that adulteration of medicines was illegal, the bench remarked that it could not entertain a writ of such a nature.

At the very outset, the CJI seemed to question the viability of granting relief in the matter, stating, "How can we provide relief in a writ like this? Who claims that adulterated medicines are acceptable? However, we cannot issue a writ on these grounds."

The CJI added that the Central Government and State Governments made purchases of Ayurvedic medicines and they would take action against any adulterated medicines being circulated in accordance to the law.

The court further stated that if there was a grievance against a specific manufacturer, the appropriate recourse was to pursue legal action against the said manufacturer and not file a PIL of this nature.

The CJI added that any suggestions for systematic changes to prevent the adulteration of medicines could be directed to the government or the competent authority.

At this juncture, Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid submitted–

"If this court allows then we can file a representation with the drug controller."

In response to Senior Advocate Khurshid's proposal to file a representation with the drug controller, CJI remarked, "The petitioner should seek remedies before a competent authority. Dismissed."

Case : Vishnu Kumar v. Union Of India & Ors. [Diary No.- 46425 - 2023]