Dispensing by unregistered persons
Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 deals with dispensing by unregistered persons. On or after such date as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint in this behalf, no person other than a registered pharmacist shall compound, prepare, mix, or dispense any medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner ; The Act came into force on 04 Mar 1948.
(1) On or after such date as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint in this behalf, no person other than a registered pharmacist shall compound, prepare, mix, or dispense any medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner 1***;
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to the dispensing by a medical practitioner of medicine for his own patients, or with the general or special sanction of the State Government, for the patients of another medical practitioner:
2[Provided further that where no such date is appointed by the Government of a State, this sub-section shall take effect in that State on the expiry of a period of 3[eight years] from the commencement of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 1976 (70 of 1976).]
(2) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with 4[imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees, or with both].
(3) Cognizance of an offence punishable under this section shall not be taken except upon complaint made by 5[order of the State Government or any officer authorised in this behalf by the State Government, or by order of the Executive Committee of the State Council.]
Section 42, The Pharmacy Act, 1948 (Act 8 of 1948).
Made under this section, and citing it
1 instrument names this provision in its title or its text without being made under it.
Questions about Section 42
What does Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act deal with?
Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act is headed "Dispensing by unregistered persons". On or after such date as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint in this behalf, no person other than a registered pharmacist shall compound, prepare, mix, or dispense any medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner ;
How do I find court cases under Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Pharmacy Act 1948 42, section 42 Pharmacy Act 1948, section 42 of the Pharmacy Act. People searching for it also type pharmacy act 1948 section 42. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
What should I read with Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, and has it changed?
One instrument names it without being made under it, most recently Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 (2015).
When did Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act come into force?
Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, cited as Pharmacy Act 1948 42, came into force on 04 Mar 1948, having been enacted on 04 Mar 1948. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.