Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Mumbai Chemists Protest CCTV Mandate, Citing Costs
The Mumbai Police want all chemists to install security cameras to stop illegal drug sales.
The police hope this will catch people selling drugs without prescriptions.
However, the chemists are upset.
They say cameras won't work and will cost them a lot of money.
They think it's hard to see if a sale is illegal just by watching a camera.
They also point out that many medicines are bought online now.
The chemists believe regular checks and inspections would be a better way to solve the problem.
Mumbai Police mandated CCTV installation in chemist shops to curb illegal drug sales.
Chemists are protesting the order, citing ineffectiveness and financial burden.
Police aim to fix accountability and deter illegal sales of scheduled drugs.
Chemists argue CCTV's are ineffective, particularly given online medicine sales.
Chemist associations suggest regular inspections as a better solution.
- Who
- Mumbai Police and chemist shop owners.
- What
- Mumbai Police ordered chemists to install CCTV cameras to curb illegal drug sales.
- When
- Within a month of the order.
- Where
- Mumbai and its suburbs.
- Why
- To fix accountability and deter illegal sales of scheduled drugs.
Mumbai Police
Mumbai Chemists
Effectiveness of CCTV
Mumbai Police
CCTV cameras will serve as a deterrent to illegal drug sales and provide evidence for investigations.
Mumbai Chemists
Chemists argue CCTV is unlikely to be effective, especially with online sales
Effectiveness of CCTV
Mumbai Police
The order is to fix accountability, as many scheduled drugs are reportedly sold without prescriptions.
Mumbai Chemists
Chemists question how a CCTV camera can determine if a sale was made against a valid prescription.
Financial Burden
Mumbai Police
Failure to comply could invite legal action.
Mumbai Chemists
The mandate places financial burden on small businesses.
- Order Issuing Authority
- Mumbai Police
- Target
- Chemist shops in Mumbai and suburbs
- Objective
- To curb illegal sale of scheduled drugs
- Compliance Deadline
- One month
- Potential Consequence of Non-Compliance
- Legal action under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Estimated Number of Chemist Shops in Mumbai
- Approximately 7,000
- Estimated Number of Chemist Shops in MMR
- Approximately 25,000