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Business
Maharashtra FDA retracts Cipla licence cancellation after High Court rebuke
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 10:49 PM
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The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn its order to cancel Cipla's licence following criticism from the Bombay High Court for overstepping its authority.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it is rescinding its earlier decision to cancel the manufacturing licence of pharmaceutical giant Cipla Ltd. The reversal comes after the Bombay High Court criticised the regulator for exceeding its statutory powers in the matter.
The court’s remarks described the FDA’s action as "going overboard" and urged the agency to adhere strictly to procedural norms. In response, the state regulator issued a statement confirming that the cancellation order has been withdrawn and that the matter will be revisited in accordance with legal guidelines.
Cipla, which operates several production facilities in Maharashtra, had been facing the prospect of a licence suspension that could have disrupted supply of several medicines. The company welcomed the court’s intervention, noting that the withdrawal restores stability to its operations.
Legal experts said the episode underscores the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and due process in India’s pharmaceutical sector. The FDA has pledged to review its internal procedures to avoid similar disputes in the future.
The court’s remarks described the FDA’s action as "going overboard" and urged the agency to adhere strictly to procedural norms. In response, the state regulator issued a statement confirming that the cancellation order has been withdrawn and that the matter will be revisited in accordance with legal guidelines.
Cipla, which operates several production facilities in Maharashtra, had been facing the prospect of a licence suspension that could have disrupted supply of several medicines. The company welcomed the court’s intervention, noting that the withdrawal restores stability to its operations.
Legal experts said the episode underscores the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and due process in India’s pharmaceutical sector. The FDA has pledged to review its internal procedures to avoid similar disputes in the future.