A breast cancer patient died before the Kerala High Court could decide her petition seeking a reduction in the price of a life-saving medicine, even though the case had been listed 57 times. The Supreme Court has now taken suo motu cognisance of the delay and issued notice to the Centre.

Cancer Drug Plea Remained Pending for Nearly Four Years

The petition was filed in the Kerala High Court in June 2022 by a woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She sought a reduction in the cost of a life-saving drug, contending that its high price placed essential treatment beyond the reach of many patients.

Counsel appearing in the matter told the Supreme Court that the petition had remained pending for nearly four years and was listed 57 times without a final ruling. By the time the case reached the Supreme Court’s attention, the petitioner had died. Her lawyer said any relief had come too late for the woman whose medical needs had led to the litigation. The delay has drawn attention to the urgency required in cases involving expensive medicines and time-sensitive treatment. When a patient approaches a court for access to a potentially life-saving drug, repeated adjournments can make eventual relief meaningless.

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard the matter after treating a letter highlighting the delay as a writ petition. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance and issued notice to the Union government.

The letter had sought an urgent hearing and was addressed to the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. Copies were also sent to President Droupadi Murmu and the Chief Justice of India. The communication brought renewed attention to the case and prompted its listing before the Supreme Court on Friday, July 17, 2026.

The court’s intervention places the question of affordable cancer treatment and access to essential medicines under scrutiny. It also raises concerns about whether urgent healthcare disputes are being resolved quickly enough to provide meaningful relief.

Kerala High Court Keeps Wider Drug Access Issue Alive

Despite the petitioner’s death, the Kerala High Court declined to close the case. It observed that the dispute extended beyond one individual and could affect other patients who require the same medication.

The proceedings now involve broader questions of drug pricing, public access to life-saving treatment and the role of authorities in addressing affordability barriers. The Supreme Court’s notice to the Centre may lead to a closer examination of the petition and concerns over the breast cancer drug’s price. Although the original petitioner can no longer benefit from a decision, the case may still influence access to treatment for other patients facing similar hardship. It also underlines the human cost of prolonged delays in legal matters connected to health and survival.