Karnataka High Court quashes govt order to shut down Jan Aushadhi Kendras on govt hospital premises

DHARWAD: The Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court has quashed a state government order to shut down Jan Aushadhi Kendras located within government hospital premises. The court directed the authorities to allow the store to operate, citing that the store provides affordable medicines to the poor.

The government had ordered the Jan Aushadhi Kendras on government hospital premises across the state to be shut down, citing that the lease period of 36 months had expired. However, the Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners’ association had argued that they were providing quality medicines at affordable prices, and shutting down the store would deprive the poor of access to essential medicines.

The High Court observed that the government should not be seen as not caring for its people if it denies permission to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The court also questioned whether anyone had complained about the Jan Aushadhi Kendra operations and asked the government to reconsider its decision.

The government lawyer argued that the Jan Aushadhi Kendras were directed to set up shop outside government hospitals and the people have to buy medicines from there while it is given free of cost at government hospitals. To this, the judge said, “How does it matter if they sell medicines at low cost from a 120 sqft space? Did anybody complain against Jan Aushadhi Kendras? Did anybody ask for free bus travel? Drop this now”.

The court directed the authorities to allow the Jan Aushadhi Kendras to operate, stating that it was meant to provide affordable medicines to the poor, and shutting it down would be against public interest.

#WATCH | Belagavi | On Karnataka HC quashing state govt’s order to shut Jan Aushadhi centres in the state, BJP MLA & State BJP President BY Vijayendra says,”…Despite Siddaramaiah govt to suppress good programs carried out by Narendra Modi govt, the state govt’s decision of… pic.twitter.com/zoR4rxlXaS

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

Reacting to the high court verdict, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said,”Despite the Siddaramaiah government’s efforts to suppress good programmes carried out by the Narendra Modi government, the state government’s decision of closing Jan Aushadhi centres in government hospitals, it is nothing but vendetta politics by the CM. At least now, after the high court, this government should rectify its attitude and work in harmony with the Central government”.

#WATCH | Belagavi | Karnataka assembly LoP and BJP leader R. Ashoka says,” It is because the Congress government wants commission it wants to shut Jan Aushadi Centres in the state. The court’s order brings shame to Congress. I welcome the court order…”

“Whenever Congress… pic.twitter.com/B7gBFC861B

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

Opposition leader R Ashoka said,” It is because the Congress government wants commission that it wants to shut Jan Aushadi Centres in the state. The court’s order brings shame to Congress. I welcome the court order”

“Whenever Congress comes to power, the jails become like bars and dance bars where drugs and mobiles are available. Next week, we will move an adjournment motion in the Assembly to discuss the law and order situation in Karnataka. There is no law and order in Karnataka”, he added.

#WATCH | Belagavi | On Karnataka HC quashing state govt’s order to shut Jan Aushadhi centres inside govt hospitals, BJP leader Arvind Bellad says,” PM Modi’s government started Jan Aushadhi Centres, and this has benefitted crores of people. I don’t know if it was under pressure… pic.twitter.com/rDE7ZZsgZo

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

BJP MLA Arvind Bellad said, “PM Modi’s government started Jan Aushadhi Centres, and this has benefitted crores of people. I don’t know if it was under pressure from the medical or the pharma industry lobby that this government decided to shut Jan Aushadhi Centres. This high court order is a slap on the face of the state government”.