Kerala HC permits government intervention over exorbitant prices of patented medicines

The Kerala High Court has held that the Centre may invoke provisions of patents act to manufacture patented medicines and supply them to patients on a non-commercial basis where government intervention is warranted, including cases of exorbitant pricing. The Court directed the Centre to collect data and assess the affordability of patented life-saving medicines before deciding whether to invoke the provision. The ruling could have wider implications for access to high-cost patented medicines.