To bring in stringent measures against the sale of fake drugs or cosmetics in the State, the Karnataka government on Thursday approved increased penalty that can run up to life imprisonment for peddling fake drugs or cosmetics.
As per the amendment proposed to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the burden of proof will now rest on the person from whom drugs or cosmetics are seized. If found guilty, the prison term could extend up to life imprisonment as some of the penalties have been extended to make it stringent.
The amendment to the Act will be moved in the coming Winter Session of the legislature in Belagavi. The Act will put the onus on the seller to prove that the product — drugs or cosmetics — are not fake. The peddling of fake drugs and cosmetics will now be treated as cognisable offence and non-bailable.
The Act also seeks to provide powers to designated officers from the Central Drug Laboratory and Director of Drugs and Cosmetics.
Published – November 27, 2025 10:58 pm IST
