BALAKRISHNA PILLAI, CHIEF INSPECTOR OF DRUGSINTELLIGENCE vs MATHA MEDICLAS AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 1979, specifically paras 10-14, 18, and 21, in relation to the prosecution of a firm for charging excess prices for medicines. The Court clarified that a 'bulk drug' can be used alone or as an ingredient in a formulation, and that the definition of 'formulation' is broad enough to include even a single bulk drug. The Court held that the High Court erred in its interpretation, affirming that the allegations, if proven, would constitute a contravention punishable under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, but did not interfere with the acquittal of the respondents.