Court Overturns 'Perverse' Order Against Amazon Directors in Abortion Pill Case

A sessions court overturned a notice against two Amazon Seller Services directors for illegal online abortion pill sales, highlighting that Amazon is a platform, not a seller. The lower court's decision was criticized as 'perverse' and erroneous, with calls for proper legal procedures to be followed.

In a notable legal development, a sessions court has nullified actions taken against two directors of Amazon Seller Services Private Limited, concerning the alleged illicit online sale of abortion pills. The court emphasized that Amazon serves solely as a platform, not a direct seller, thus exonerating the directors from liability.

Sessions judge Mujibodeen Shaikh strongly criticized the issuing magistrate's order as notably 'perverse' and flawed, failing to adhere to necessary legal procedures. This ruling outlined that the magistrate neglected necessary inquiries as stipulated by law, thus rendering the initial order unsound. Additionally, the judgment accentuates the platform's agreement with Gurunanak Enterprises, the actual seller, which prohibits the sale of banned drugs.

The case initiated following a complaint by the Food and Drugs Administration underlined a breach of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Information Technology Act. The complainant acquired abortion pills through Amazon without a prescription. However, directors Kandula Raghava Rao and Noorulamin Mohammed Saheb argued the swelling ambiguity and inaccuracy of the magistrate's directive, leading to its nullification by the sessions court.

(With inputs from agencies.)