24 August 2026

Kerala High Court Case on Cancer Medication

The case involves significant issues regarding patent law, access to affordable healthcare, and the judiciary's role in addressing public health concerns, which are relevant to GS2 governance and development topics.

Questions

1. Discuss the legal and ethical challenges in balancing intellectual property rights of pharmaceutical companies with the constitutional right to health and affordable access to life-saving medication in India. 150 words
   Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

   0 / 150 words 8:00 Reset
2. Examine the role of the judiciary in addressing public health concerns through suo motu interventions. How can such judicial activism complement executive policy in ensuring the accessibility of essential medicines? 250 words
   Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

   0 / 250 words 11:00 Reset

Prelims

1. Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'suo motu' proceedings as exercised by the High Court in the context of public interest?

   1. A A mandatory arbitration process between pharmaceutical companies and the Ministry of Health
   2. B An appeal filed by a third party to challenge the validity of a drug patent
   3. C A petition filed by the government to seek judicial review of a patent law
   4. D Proceedings initiated by the court on its own motion without a formal petition from an aggrieved party