HC notice on issue of drug licensing authority

Jaipur, Jan 12 (PTI) The Rajasthan High Court todayissued notices to officials on a petition contending that thegovernment did not appoint a qualified technical expert as theState Drug Licensing Authority as required under the rules.

The court of Justice Prem Shanker Asopa issued the noticeon a writ petition filed by a pharmaceutical firm of Ajmer.

The court took note of the fact that at present, theDirector, Ayurved Department has been made State DrugLicensing Authority on an ex-officio capacity.

The petitioner contended that but the charge has beenassigned to an officer of RAS cadre who has no knowledge ofdrugs and medicines as required under the law.

The firm challenged a show-cause notice issued by theAuthority as to why four companies are operating from the samepremises where it has been registered.

"The Licensing authority is Director, Ayurved Departmentwho is an officer of Rajasthan Administrative Service whereasunder the law a person having qualification in siddha, orunani or ayurveda course can only act as the LicensingAuthority," argued B B Pareek, counsel for the petitioner.

Taking note of the submissions, the court issued noticesto Secretary, Ayurved Department, Licensing Authority andAssistant Drug Controller, Ajmer.