SC Questions Enforcement of Pharma Marketing Norms

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the enforcement of rules regulating drug marketing practices, observing that the real challenge lies not in framing norms but in ensuring their proper implementation.

- TDG NETWORK

Bench Questions Effectiveness A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a plea seeking a uniform code to curb unethical promotional tactics by pharmaceutical companies. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that the petition had become infructuous as a statutory regime was already in place.

"The difficulty is, regime is there in place, but whether that is actually implemented or not," Justice Nath remarked.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, also appearing in the case, pointed out that a new framework had been introduced last year. Justice Mehta observed, "That is what the concern of my lords is, that if it is a toothless tiger... what is the purpose?"