17 July 2004 :

The Government of India's Ministry of Health & Family Welfare issued the following press release: 'The government proposes to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act on the basis of recommendations made by Mashalkar Committee?.. The salient amendments proposed under the bill are: It has been proposed in the Bill to enhance the punishments relating to spurious drugs up to a maximum of death penalty or imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine of one lakh rupees or up to three time the value of the goods seized, whichever is higher'.