New Delhi, May 19 (LAB) The issue of online sale of prescription medicines has once again come under judicial scrutiny, with the South Chemists & Distributors Association (SCDA) raising concerns before the court over the alleged sale of prescription drugs through major quick-commerce and e-commerce platforms.
According to SCDA, applications were filed seeking impleadment of Amazon, Blinkit and Zepto in the matter relating to the sale of prescription medicines through their platforms, alleging violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The matter was heard on March 20, 2026, during which the court reportedly granted the platforms two weeks’ time to file their replies. However, during the subsequent hearing held on May 18, 2026, the entities sought additional time to submit their responses.
Reacting to the development, SCDA said the delay raised concerns as the issue pertained to the alleged absence of a regulatory framework governing online sale of prescription medicines.
In support of traders and chemists opposing such sales, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists has called for a one-day nationwide bandh on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, protesting against the alleged sale of prescription medicines through online and quick-commerce platforms.
SCDA announced its support for the bandh and expressed solidarity with AIOCD, stating that traditional chemists were seeking stricter enforcement and clearer regulations concerning digital sale of medicines.
The issue of online medicine delivery has remained a subject of legal and regulatory debate, with concerns often raised regarding prescription verification, patient safety, compliance mechanisms and the applicability of existing provisions under drug laws to digital platforms.
Yash Aggarwal, Legal Head, SCDA, stated that the association would continue supporting efforts aimed at ensuring compliance with existing legal provisions governing sale of medicines./ SNG
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