Overview
Sale of expired, spurious, or wrongly dispensed medicines is an offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and is enforced by the State Drug Control authorities. Harm caused also gives rise to a deficiency-in-service / product-liability claim under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Key Provisions — Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Sale of spurious or expired drugs is a punishable offence.
- Pharmacies must dispense exactly as prescribed by a registered practitioner.
- Drug Control authorities can inspect, seize, and prosecute.
- Harm enables compensation under the Consumer Protection Act.
What You Can Claim
Refund of price
Compensation for harm
Action by Drug Control
Penalty against the pharmacy
How We Solve It
1
Preserve Evidence
We keep the medicine, strip, and bill.
2
Drug Control Complaint
We complain to the State Drug Controller.
3
Consumer Complaint
Compensation claim before the Consumer Commission.
4
Secure Relief
We pursue penalty and compensation.
Typical timeline: Drug Control action varies · Consumer Commission: 3–12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report expired or fake medicine?
To the State Drug Control authority, and you can claim compensation under the Consumer Protection Act.
Can I claim for wrongly dispensed medicine?
Yes — wrong dispensing is deficiency in service; if it caused harm you can claim compensation.