Glaxo Smithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the conflicting interpretations of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1987 and 1995 regarding the applicability of fixed prices for drug formulations. The Court held that the prices fixed under the DPCO must be effective from the date of notification or receipt by the manufacturer, as stipulated in para 14(1) of DPCO, 1995. The Court ruled in favor of the appellant, allowing the appeal and setting aside the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of the writ petition, thereby clarifying the operational timeline for price fixation under the DPCO.