LS Adopts Modified Patents Bill

The controversial Patents (Amendment) Bill has passed in the Lok Sabha after Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath assured the Lower House that adequate safeguards have been provided in the Bill to protect the interest of Indian pharma industry and the poor people. While the government won over the support of Left parties by accepting 10 of the 12 amendments suggested by them, the main Opposition NDA staged a walkout as the government rejected its demand to refer the Bill to a parliamentary standing committee.

Deccan Herald (http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar232005/i1.asp)