JUDGMENT :

N.V. Ramana, J.

1. This case revolves round the complexities faced by the State of Jharkhand [hereinafter `Jharkhand' for brevity] and applicability of laws, framed by the erstwhile State of Bihar [hereinafter `Bihar' for brevity], to the newly bifurcated State by means of Bihar Reorganization Act, of 2000 (Act No. xxx of 2000) [hereinafter `BROA' for brevity]. In this Civil Appeal we are called upon to determine the scope of Sections 30, 31 and 32 of Pharmacy Act, 1948 [hereinafter `Act' for brevity] and it's applicability to the new State after 15.11.2000. The examination of the questions which fall for our consideration, as indicated hereafter, would also involve consideration of various provisions of BROA, which we propose to do after noticing the brief factual background.

2. The Act came into force in India including the undivided Bihar in 1948. In the State of Bihar, State Pharmacy Council, under the Chapter III was established on 07.02.1955 and consequently First Register of pharmacists, under Section 30 of the Act, was duly prepared. In the meanwhile, the Educ