PIL against chemists' strike in Maharashtra

Datta Mane, in his public interest litigation, has sought a restraint order from the High Court against the strike, called by Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association, and demanded that government invoke Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA).

"Under the MESMA, if any (essential) service provider goes on strike, the government can lodge a criminal case against him," said advocate Pradeep Havnur, Mane's lawyer.

The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice N M Jamdar posted the matter for hearing tomorrow.

Some 50,000 chemists/drug store owners are expected to take part in the strike, to protest alleged harassment by Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

"The interest of patients and other people will suffer due to non-availability of medicines. Apart from initiating action under MESMA against them, the state government should also cancel licenses of striking chemists," the PIL says.