Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Himachal HC takes suo motu cognisance against distribution of 29 drugs by 19 pharma units risking public health
Shimla, April 24,
The Himachal Pradesh High court on Thursday initiated suo motu public interest litigation over concerns relating to the manufacture and distribution of 29 drugs by 19 pharmaceutical units in Himachal Pradesh, flagged as potentially unsafe for public use.
The matter, registered as Court on its own motion vs. State of H.P. & others (CWPIL No. 41 of 2026), came up before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi.
Taking note of a communication received in the Chief Justice’s Secretariat, the court observed that the (DCGI) had directed the State Drug Authority to immediately prevent the manufacture and distribution of these drugs. The products, manufactured by units located in Baddi, Solan, Paonta Sahib and Kangra, were flagged as posing a potential risk to public health and safety.
The Bench also took judicial notice of related news reports, treating them as part of the record while underscoring the gravity of the issue. Issuing notice, the court sought responses from the State Government as well as Union authorities.
Also read: Concern mounts over poor quality drugs from Himachal pharma firms
During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Pranay Pratap Singh appeared for the State respondents, while Deputy Solicitor General of India Balram Sharma, along with advocate Rajeev Sharma, represented the Union of India and waived formal service of notice.
Recognising the wider regulatory implications, the court ordered that the (CDSCO) and the be impleaded as additional respondents in the case.
The matter has been directed to be listed along with CWPIL No. 30 of 2023 on the date already fixed.
The proceedings highlight growing judicial concern over drug quality control and regulatory oversight in Himachal Pradesh, a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, amid apprehensions that lapses could directly impact public health and safety.
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