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SC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance on Access to Life-Saving Patented Cancer Drugs

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
17 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:July 17, 20262022
Bodies:Supreme Court of IndiaKerala High Court
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.SC took suo motu cognisance of a case regarding access to life-saving patented medicines, originally filed by a deceased breast cancer patient in Kerala High Court.

2.The Kerala High Court had retitled the case as 'In Re Exorbitant Pricing of Life Saving Patented Medicines' recognizing larger public interest.

3.The Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notice and asked the Kerala HC Chief Justice to ensure expeditious disposal.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a case concerning exorbitant pricing of patented cancer drugs, originally filed by a Kerala breast cancer patient who died during the pendency of the plea. This move links the fundamental right to life (Article 21) with access to affordable medicines and judicial expediency.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Date of SC OrderJuly 17, 2026
Bench CompositionCJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi & V Mohana
Original Petitioner's CaseBreast cancer patient from Ernakulam, Kerala
Year of Original HC Plea2022
Retitled HC Case NameIn Re Exorbitant Pricing of Life Saving Patented Medicines

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Date of SC Order: July 17, 2026
  • ›Bench Composition: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi & V Mohana
  • ›Target this Data: July 17, 2026 (date of SC suo motu cognisance)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Supreme Court of India (took cognisance)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 21 (Right to Life) and suo motu jurisdiction

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional article is primarily invoked in cases concerning access to life-saving medicines as highlighted in this news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of a matter regarding access to life-saving medicines.

2. The original petitioner, a breast cancer patient, died before the Supreme Court could hear the plea.

3. The Kerala High Court continued the proceedings suo motu after the petitioner's death and retitled the case.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

In which year was the original plea challenging the pricing of patented cancer drugs filed in the Kerala High Court?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary public interest issue highlighted by the Supreme Court's suo motu cognisance in this case?

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