Karnataka - Gulbarga   

`Protect traditional medicines from patents'

By Our Special Correspondent

GULBARGA, JAN. 8. The Former Judge of the Karnataka High Court A.J. Sadashiva today urged the Government to take measures to patent the rich source of traditional medicines available in the country to prevent multi-national companies (MNC) from claiming rights over these medicines and medicinal plants through the patent law.

Inaugurating the Hyderabad Karnataka Chapter of the Indian Association of Lawyers here, Mr. Sadashiva said that medicinal plants and natural herbs used by our forefathers were facing a threat of being patented through the patent law. Blaming government agencies for their failure to document these medicinal plants and traditional medicines used in the country, he said that the people of the country would lose their right over these medicines and medicinal plants if the Government failed to patent them.

He took exception to "the misuse of the weapon of Satyagraha professed by Mahatma Gandhi by the present generation of politicians" and called upon lawyers to play an important role in inculcating discipline and protecting the rights of the people.

The Dean of the Department of Law, Gulbarga University, J.S. Patil, delivered the keynote address on "Patents Law and its implications," and senior lawyers, K. Subba Rao and M.C. Narasimhan delivered lectures on "Judicial Review or scope under Article 226 of the Constitution of India" and "Disciplinary Jurisdiction over Advocates — Bar Councils or Courts," respectively. The Chairman of the reception committee and senior lawyer, Shivakumar Malipatil, welcomed.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

Challenge of newborn babies' healthcare grows bigger
`Priority to pending irrigation projects'
More funds sought for irrigation projects
BJP allegations refuted
`Protect traditional medicines from patents'

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu