Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of matter regarding access to life-saving medicines
The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of a case regarding the exorbitant pricing of life-saving patented cancer drugs. The court aims to ensure the expeditious disposal of the matter following the death of the original petitioner.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between patent protections for pharmaceutical companies and the fundamental right to affordable healthcare.
The Supreme Court on Friday (July 17, 2026) took on its own cognisance of a matter regarding access to life-saving medicines and judicial expediency in issues pertaining right to life.
The matter relates to a woman in Kerala, who was suffering from breast cancer and had moved the State High Court challenging the exorbitant prices of medicine for treatment. She died during the pendency of the plea in the high court.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana noted that the matter was pending in the Kerala High Court concerning the affordability of patented cancer drugs.
The top court issued notice in the matter while asking the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court to ensure expeditious disposal of the matter before it.
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