SUPREME COURT ORDERS FRESH WATCHDOG MECHANISM FOR PHARMA MARKETING ETHICS

October 8, 2026

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to constitute a three-member committee to examine allegations of unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies and recommend whether a statutory framework is required to regulate the sector.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued the direction while hearing a plea seeking guidelines to regulate pharmaceutical companies’ marketing practices until an effective law is enacted.

The committee will examine suggestions and representations on the issue before making its recommendations to the Union government. The Centre had earlier informed the court that it was setting up the three-member panel to determine whether a statutory mechanism was necessary to prevent unethical practices by pharmaceutical companies.

The government had also acknowledged the need to strengthen the existing system governing pharmaceutical marketing. It said the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024 would continue to remain applicable while the committee examines the issue and until a decision is taken on its recommendations.

The court has listed the matter for January 29, when it will examine the Centre’s compliance with its directions.

The proceedings could potentially pave the way for a stronger legal framework governing pharmaceutical companies’ promotional and marketing activities, with the committee now tasked with examining the regulatory gap and suggesting measures to address unethical practices in the industry.