An update on the on-going Novartis case in India from the Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+).
"Today, looking at the sensitivity of the Novartis Case and the time required to hear the matter properly, the Court has decided to give it more time and has scheduled it for the 28th of February 2012. These will be the final arguments. We request that all organisations working on human rights, access to medicines, health and HIV, join our battle to save India’s generic production of medicines - the single most important factor in saving our lives. We intend to keep up the momentum up the Campaign in this battle against Novartis and their unacceptable pressure to change our laws for their profits.
Now that the case is scheduled for February 2012, the Commerce and Law Ministry must appoint the Attorney General to the case this week.
We believe that the government must get serious about defending its patent law and the right to life and health of its people in the Supreme Court. Mr. Rohinton Nariman who recently took over as Solicitor General of India cannot represent the government of India as he has represented Novartis in the past. Two former Solicitor Generals of India Mr. Adhyarujina and Gopal Subramanium, are now representing the pharmaceutical company Novartis."
Loon Gangte (DNP+)
Download a copy of DNP+'s letter to the government on the defence of this case