An Overview Of Existing Laws For The Prevention Of Black-Marketing And Hoarding Of Essential Drugs And Supplies In India

Sunil L Kalagi, LLM Student, Faculty of Law, Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Aayush Gondale, Asst. Professor, Faculty of Law, Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Dr. Renuka S Gubbewad, Asst. Professor, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburgi

ABSTRACT

Black-marketing is a broader term which includes illegal transactions, may it be in the form of human trafficking, currency transactions or drugs. The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) epidemic which was second outbreak in India led to the witnessing of series of events of illegal tractions of drugs such as ‘Remdesivir’ or Oxygen cylinder required for the treatment of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) disease in India in the year of 2021. This pandemic situation was not just confined to one city or a state but it was all over India. The paper examines the efficiency of the existing laws of the land to curb black-marketing and hoarding of essential supplies.

Various States across country have dealt Black-marketing issues under various legal acts during this second wave of Covid19 Virus pandemic in India during the months of March, April and May in 2021. The two most important acts are ‘Essential Commodities Act’, 1955 and ‘The Prevention of Black-Marketing Act 1980’. Stricter penalties and punishment to curb black-marketing and hoarding are covered by Indian Criminal laws. But there is a requirement of spreading knowledge and awareness about theses statutes and provisions among public regarding Black-marketing Legal laws, Punishments and Grievance cells. Spreading Awareness is key to control and prevent Black-marketing.

Keywords: Black-Marketing, Hoarding, Essential Commodities Act (Eca), Covid-19, Public Grievances Cell.