Delhi HC stays ban on sale of cough syrup Corex

Pfizer has discontinued manufacture and sale of popular cough syrup Corex with immediate effect after the Health Ministry banned around 350 fixed dose combination drugs.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a relief to pharmaceutical major Pfizer, the Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim stay of notification restraining sale of its cough syrup 'Corex' and directed the government not to take coercive steps against the company.

Pfizer has discontinued manufacture and sale of popular cough syrup Corex with immediate effect after the Health Ministry banned it saying it was likely to pose a risk to humans.

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw granted the interim relief to the company saying it has been selling the cough syrup for the last 25 years.

The court also issued notice to the Health ministry directing it to file status report after taking instruction on what was the finding of the expert committee set up by it following which sale of over 300 drugs' combination have been banned across India with effect from March 10.

"List on Monday. Till then the effect of notification qua the petitioner shall remain stayed. No coercive steps till then," the court said.

The court's order came on a plea moved by Pfizer who contended that no show cause notice or hearing was granted prior to the notification.

(With PTI inputs)