Stapler Pin Found in Tablet, Pharma Firms Fined ₹1 Lakh
The stapler pin found in a tablet incident has led to strict action against two pharmaceutical companies. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Ludhiana has ordered the firms to jointly pay ₹1 lakh as compensation to a 74-year-old man who suffered physical injury and mental trauma after accidentally swallowing a defective pain-relief tablet.
The commission has directed that the compensation be paid within 30 days, failing which interest will be charged.
What Happened: A Routine Dose Turns Dangerous
The complainant, a retired district attorney dealing with multiple age-related health problems, had purchased ORO Plus pain-relief tablets from a local chemist in September 2022. One night, after taking the medicine, he suddenly felt a sharp object stuck in his throat.
This caused choking, breathlessness, and a sudden rise in blood pressure. Acting quickly, his family performed repeated abdominal thrusts. The tablet was expelled, and to everyone’s shock, a stapler pin was found in the tablet.
Medical Emergency and Mental Distress
According to the commission, the incident resulted in:
- Physical injury
- Extreme panic and fear
- Severe mental stress for both the patient and his family
The commission noted that timely action by family members likely prevented a fatal outcome.
Who Was Held Responsible
The medicine was manufactured by Kaalinga Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Primula Pharmaceuticals.
During the proceedings:
- One company did not contest the case at all
- The other failed to explain how such a dangerous object could enter a tablet
- No internal investigation or batch recall was carried out to protect other consumers
After examining the expelled tablet, the commission stated that the product was “hazardous to life and safety.”
Relief for the Chemist
Importantly, the local chemist was cleared of wrongdoing. The commission observed that:
- The medicine was sold in sealed packaging
- There was no proof of tampering or negligence at the retail level
As a result, liability was placed solely on the manufacturer and marketer.
Legal Basis for the Ruling
The commission held the companies responsible under the product liability provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It ruled that the stapler pin found in the tablet clearly pointed to a manufacturing defect that caused harm and emotional suffering.
The companies have been held jointly and severally liable, meaning each is fully responsible for paying the compensation.
Compensation Timeline and Penalty
- Amount awarded: ₹1 lakh
- Payment deadline: 30 days
- Penalty for delay: 8% annual interest from the date of the order
Why This Case Matters for Patients and Doctors
This case highlights the importance of strict quality checks in the manufacturing of medicines. It reminds patients to report any unusual or harmful effects after taking a drug as soon as possible. It also stresses that doctors and healthcare professionals must always take patient complaints about medicines seriously, even when such reactions are uncommon. Most importantly, the ruling makes it clear that patient safety cannot be compromised, and any lapse in drug quality that endangers lives will lead to strict legal action.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 27 December 2025
- 13:00
