- The Supreme Court stated that economic policy cannot take precedence over human lives while examining drug price controls. - The Centre defended its calibrated approach to drug price control, balancing affordable healthcare access for citizens with ensuring industry viability. - The case highlights the tension between market-driven pharmaceutical pricing and the constitutional right to health under Article 21. - **Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO):** An order issued under the Essential Commodities Act enabling the government to fix prices of essential medicines to ensure affordability and public health access in India. - **Supreme Court of India:** The apex judicial body in India that interprets the Constitution, possessing powers of judicial review to protect fundamental rights like Article 21. - **Centre / Government of India:** The executive branch of the Indian Union responsible for formulating and implementing national policies, economic measures, and public welfare regulations. **Introduction** The Supreme Court of India asserted that economic policy cannot take precedence over human lives as the Centre defended its calibrated mechanism for drug price controls. The discourse highlights the judicial balance between ensuring affordable access to essential medicines as part of the Right to Life (Article 21) and maintaining the economic viability of the pharmaceutical industry. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Supreme Court stated that economic policy cannot take precedence over human lives while examining drug price controls. - The Centre defended its calibrated approach to drug price control, balancing affordable healthcare access for citizens with ensuring industry viability. - The case highlights the tension between market-driven pharmaceutical pricing and the constitutional right to health under Article 21. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO):** An order issued under the Essential Commodities Act enabling the government to fix prices of essential medicines to ensure affordability and public health access in India. - **Supreme Court of India:** The apex judicial body in India that interprets the Constitution, possessing powers of judicial review to protect fundamental rights like Article 21. - **Centre / Government of India:** The executive branch of the Indian Union responsible for formulating and implementing national policies, economic measures, and public welfare regulations.