Cough syrup deaths: SC rejects PIL seeking inquiry, nationwide drug safety review

The Supreme Court on Friday (October 10) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an inquiry and systemic reform in drug safety mechanisms in the wake of deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly due to consumption of toxic cough syrups.

A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and K Vinod Chandran dismissed the PIL filed by lawyer Vishal Tiwari after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to it.

Also Read: Toxic cough syrup scare: Govt launches crackdown, notifies WHO of recall

‘Reads paper, rushes to court’

The top law officer said the petitioner reads the newspaper and rushes to the court.

The bench, which was initially of the view that the notice should be issued, later dismissed it.

Mehta said he was not appearing for any state at the moment but the seriousness with which states like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are taking action cannot be undermined.

Also Read: Cough syrup deaths: Sresan Pharma owner arrested, plant sealed

Moreover, there are proper law enforcement mechanisms in states, he added.

The bench asked Tiwari as to how many PILs he has filed so far in the top court and on being told that he has moved eight to 10 such pleas so far, the bench dismissed the instant petition.

"Dismissed," the CJI said.

(With agency inputs)