Amendment in D&C Act: Decriminalizing Offences for Trust-Based Governance

This pivotal legislation encompasses amendments to various provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (Amendment in D&C Act), along with 41 other Acts.

620
Law
Picture: Pixabay
Nilesh Gandhi

Last Updated on October 2, 2024 by The Health Master

Amendment in D&C Act

Amendment in D&C Act: In a significant move towards trust-based governance and simplifying business operations, the Central Government passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 (18 of 2023) on August 11, 2023.

This pivotal legislation encompasses amendments to various provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (D&C Act), along with 41 other Acts.

The primary objective of the Jan Vishwas Act is to decriminalize and streamline offenses, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to both ease of living and doing business.

Amendments to Section 29: A Game-Changer for Advertisement Violations

One of the most noteworthy amendments is in Section 29, pertaining to the use of the analyst’s report for advertising purposes.

This alteration has garnered praise from regulatory experts for its potential to reshape the landscape of compliance.

Previously, the maximum penalty for this violation stood at a modest five thousand rupees.

However, with the Jan Vishwas Act in effect, the ceiling for fines has been significantly raised to a substantial one lakh rupees.

This amendment is poised to serve as a powerful deterrent against unlawful advertising practices.

Overhaul of Section 30(2): A Paradigm Shift in Penalties

Section 30(2) has undergone a substantial transformation under the Jan Vishwas Act.

This section previously prescribed a penalty of up to two years of imprisonment for subsequent offenses related to advertising the Government Analyst Report.

With the enactment of this amendment, the punitive aspect of imprisonment has been entirely eliminated.

Instead, a hefty fine of not less than five lakh rupees has been mandated.

This revision is set to fundamentally alter the consequences faced by individuals found guilty of advertising offenses.

Insight from Industry Experts

SW Deshpande from Pharmalex Complete Legal Solutions and a former joint commissioner at the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration echoed this sentiment.

He explained, “The removal of imprisonment penalties in Section 30(2) is a significant step towards a more pragmatic approach to enforcement.”

“Now, convicted individuals will face substantial fines but will no longer be subjected to imprisonment.”

Nilesh Gandhi, proprietor of Pharm Astute and former assistant commissioner (drugs) at the Food and Drug Administration in Maharashtra, Mumbai, lauded the amendments.

He emphasized, “These amendments signify a pivotal shift in the enforcement of violations related to government Analyst’s reports.”

“The substantial increase in fines will serve as a powerful deterrent against unlawful advertising practices.”

Future Projections: Incremental Fine Escalation

It is imperative to note that the fines stipulated under the amended provisions will undergo a steady increment.

Specifically, a 10% increase in the minimum amount will be applied every three years from the commencement of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.

This dynamic aspect ensures that penalties remain relevant and impactful in the evolving landscape of regulatory compliance.

Effective Implementation

The amended provisions outlined in the Jan Vishwas Act will come into effect upon notification of the designated date.

This critical step ensures that stakeholders are duly informed and prepared for the new regulatory framework.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely those of the author, and TheHealthMaster.com does not necessarily subscribe to them. TheHealthMaster.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person / organization, directly or indirectly.

For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon
Telegram
WhatsApp
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube Icon
Google-news