HC asks Maha to form redressal cell for chemists

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice N M Jamdar was hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by lawyer Datta Mane challenging the strike called by Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association.

Over 50,000 chemists/drug store owners had declared a three-day strike, starting today, to protest alleged harassment by Food and Drugs Administration.

The strike was, however, called off after assurances from the state government that their issues would be looked into.

Appearing for the state, advocate S S Shinde said a committee has been formed to look into the grievances faced by the members of the association.

The court then said the government should form a redressal forum under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

"Chemists and drug store owners would feel the need to declare strike in the absence of such a mechanism," the Chief Justice said even as he adjourned the matter to November 26.

The PIL had sought the government to invoke Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act against the association under which it is an offence for essential service providers to go on strike.