RAJASTHAN PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY, BANGALORE AND TWOOTHER vs STATE OF KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of sentences imposed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, specifically sections 18(c), 18(a)(i), 28, and 22(1)(c). The Court held that fines exceeding the statutory maximum under section 18A are invalid and that ignorance of sub-standard quality drugs is a valid defense only as per sections 19(2) and (3). The Court remanded the case for reconsideration of the sentences, emphasizing that separate punishments under section 22(1)(c) are not permissible in addition to those under section 27(b).