Piramal Gets Delhi HC Relief, Decades-Old Spurious Tixylix Cough Syrup Case Quashed

Published On 2025-09-04 08:49 GMT   |   Update On 2025-09-04 08:49 GMT

Delhi High Court

Advertisement

New Delhi: In a major relief to Nicholas Piramal India Ltd. (now Piramal Enterprises Ltd.) and its executives, the Delhi High Court has set aside criminal proceedings against them in connection with a two-decade-old case alleging that the company's children's cough syrup Tixylix was spurious.

As per a recent media report in The Hindu, the case dates back to 2002, when Delhi’s Drug Control Department collected samples of Tixylix from a city distributor. The following year, the Central Indian Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (CIPL), Ghaziabad, declared the batch “Not of Standard Quality.” Based on this report, the authorities filed a complaint in February 2004 under the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act, naming not only the retailer and distributor but also the manufacturer.

However, Piramal challenged the proceedings, arguing that the Ghaziabad laboratory lacked the capacity to perform the required tests as per the D&C Act and Rules. The company pointed to a subsequent test on the same batch conducted at the Government Analyst’s Laboratory in Vadodara, Gujarat, which found the product to be of standard quality.

Also Read: Piramal Slapped Rs 1502 Cr GST Demand Over Pharma Business Sale

Advertisement

Highlighting the contradictory government lab reports, the court in its August 28 judgment observed that “if two views are possible on the same evidence, the one favoring the accused must prevail.”

The High Court also flagged a procedural lapse: the Drug Inspector had failed to send both the Ghaziabad test report and the sealed sample to the manufacturer, as mandated under the D&C Act.

Concluding that no prima facie case had been made out, the bench discharged Piramal and its officials from the long-pending litigation, bringing closure to a case that had lingered for more than 20 years, the Hindu reported.

Tags:    
Article Source : with inputs

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News