Supreme Court orders Centre to form panel to regulate unethical pharma marketing
The Supreme Court of India has directed the government to form an expert committee to explore a statutory framework for regulating unethical pharmaceutical marketing. This follows a petition regarding aggressive promotional tactics and incentives offered by drug companies to medical professionals.
Why it matters
The ruling addresses significant concerns regarding medical ethics and the influence of pharmaceutical companies on prescription practices, which directly impacts public health.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (October 8, 2026) directed the Union government to constitute an expert committee to examine whether pharmaceutical companies should be brought under a legally enforceable framework to curb unethical marketing practices.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the Centre to constitute the committee in line with its earlier directions and observations.
“We have directed the Union of India to constitute the committee and give its recommendations in terms of our previous directives and observations. The matter will be placed before the Court on January 29, 2027, to show compliance with the orders of the Court,” Justice Mehta said, reading out the operative part of the order in open court.
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