In Brief
The Supreme Court held that State Governments cannot prescribe qualifications for Drug Inspectors beyond what the central Drugs and Cosmetics Act specifies. Haryana and Karnataka added mandatory experience requirements, but the Court found these inconsistent with central rules. Since the central law fully occupies this field, States lack power to impose additional qualifications even under Article 309 of the Constitution. The Court set aside the state recruitment advertisements and ordered new selections based solely on central qualifications. Those appointed conditionally in Haryana may continue if they meet revised merit lists.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.