Case Note & Summary
The writ petition was filed by the A.I. Democratic Women Association and others against the Union of India, challenging the use of the drug Quinacrine as a method of female sterilization. The petitioners sought a writ of Mandamus to ban the drug's use and to initiate proceedings under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 against those involved in its importation and sale. In response, the Central Government, through an affidavit by the joint Drugs Controller, indicated that it was taking steps to invoke Sections 10-A and 26-A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to prohibit the drug's use. The government had prepared draft notifications for approval to ban the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of Quinacrine for contraceptive use. Given the government's proactive stance, the court found no need for further orders and disposed of the writ petition.
Headnote
A) Public Health - Drug Regulation - Ban on Quinacrine - Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945, Sections 10-A, 26-A - Petitioners challenged the use of Quinacrine for sterilization and sought a ban on its use. The court noted the government's commitment to take necessary steps to prohibit the drug's use, leading to the disposal of the writ petition without further orders. Held that the government's actions rendered the petition moot (Paras Not mentioned).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the use of Quinacrine as a method of female sterilization should be banned.
Final Decision
The court disposed of the writ petition as the government was taking steps to ban Quinacrine, thus no further orders were necessary.
Law Points
- Writ jurisdiction
- Drug regulation
- Sterilization methods
- Public health
- Mandamus relief
