HC orders probe into drug lab ops over animal abuse

The Delhi High Court has ordered a fresh inspection of a drug-testing facility, Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd, in Telangana, which is accused of animal abuse.

On a petition by animal rights group PETA, Justice Sachin Datta has constituted a three-member panel to independently examine conditions inside the facility, where large and small animals, including beagle dogs and mini pigs, are used in pre-clinical drug experiments.

PETA alleged that the dogs were subjected to neglect and abuse, pointing to a damning report by a CCSEA-appointed expert committee which had corroborated the allegations.

But a subsequent inspection committee painted an entirely different picture, absolving the facility. That process itself became controversial, with accusations of “conflict of interest” against the Local Commissioner associated with the inspection, although he did not ultimately participate.

Seeking clarity, the high court has now pressed reset. The new team will include a member of the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), a Principal Scientist from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, and a Local Commissioner appointed by the court. Their inspection report will be shared with both PETA and the CCSEA, which functions under the Ministry of Animal Husbandry.

PETA has demanded cancellation of the facility’s licences and registrations, alongside rehabilitation of the animals housed there. The court, however, stopped short of immediate intervention, directing instead that CCSEA take action if the new inspection uncovers deficiencies. The facility, too, has been ordered to implement “immediate rectificatory steps” based on the findings.

The inspection will decide whether the rows of caged beagles become symbols of regulatory failure in India’s animal research regime or remain silent test subjects.