NEW DELHI: The Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA), Delhi, has raised strong objections to a recent order mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in pharmacies across South Delhi.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the association called the order arbitrary, unconstitutional, and damaging to small chemists.
The order, issued on August 18, 2025, by South Delhi District Magistrate Lakshay Singhal under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directs all medical stores selling Schedule ‘H’, ‘H1’, and ‘X’ drugs to install CCTV cameras both inside and outside their shops.
The move aims to curb the sale of dual-use medicines without valid prescriptions.
RDCA Concerns
RDCA President Sandeep Nangia and General Secretary Rajnish Tyagi argued that while many pharmacies already use CCTV voluntarily, the new directive raises several legal, constitutional, and financial concerns:
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Discrimination – The order applies only to South Delhi, leaving out other districts, which RDCA says violates the constitutional right to equality under Article 14.
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Privacy Violations – Cameras inside pharmacies could expose sensitive prescriptions and patient data, infringing on citizens’ right to privacy.
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Jurisdiction Issues – RDCA pointed out that pharmacy regulations fall under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and not the BNSS, making the order legally questionable.
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Unclear Guidelines – No clarity has been given on the number of cameras, placement, or safeguards for recorded data.
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Financial Burden – Thousands of small chemists operating under thin margins may not be able to afford the additional cost of installation.
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Ignored Violations – RDCA criticized authorities for targeting compliant chemists while ignoring illegal online pharmacies and delivery platforms openly selling medicines without licenses.
RDCA’s Demands
In its appeal to the Chief Minister, RDCA urged the government to:
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Keep the order in abeyance until uniform, legally sound state-wide guidelines are framed.
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Ensure consistent enforcement across all districts rather than selectively targeting South Delhi.
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Take strict action against illegal online platforms selling medicines without licenses.
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Provide financial and technical support to small chemists so compliance does not cripple their livelihood.
The South Delhi District Magistrate’s order, however, states that surveillance is a “preventive measure” to monitor the sale of high-risk drugs and allows authorities to randomly check CCTV footage. Non-compliance could invite strict legal action.
While the government frames this order as a step to curb drug misuse, RDCA insists it will only burden small businesses and breach patient privacy. The ball now rests with the Delhi government to either push ahead with the mandate or reconsider in light of the chemists’ objections.
