Fine imposed by CCI on Pharma Firms including Himalaya Drug Company for indulging into Anti - Trade Practices

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed penalties of over Rs 74 crore on two national pharmaceutical companies-- Himalaya Drug Company and Intas Pharmaceuticals -- as well as two Madhya Pradesh-based drug associations for indulging into Anti-Competitive trade practices as it is the responsibility of the Commission to wipe out all the practices that have adverse outcomes on the competition. It’s duty also includes promoting and protecting the interests of the consumers and ensuring freedom of trade.

Action was initiated after a complaint was filed with the Commission by M/s Madhya Pradesh Chemists and Distributors Federation alleging the infringement of the provisions of Section 3 of the Competition Act,2002 by Madhya Pradesh Chemist and Drug Association (MPCDA) and others including certain pharmaceutical companies.

The fair trade regulator has held both the pharma companies and drug associations accountable for mandating the necessity of acquiring the NOC (No Objection Certificate) prior to the nomination as stockists which lead to restricting and controlling the supply of drugs and medicines in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Besides this, hefty fine has been imposed on the office bearers who were found violating the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002