S. A. BOBDE, J.:- Rule. Rule returnable forthwith. Heard finally by consent of the parties.

2. This petition involves question of regulation of prices of certain drugs and medicines manufactured in India with a view that such drugs are made available to the consumers at the lowest possible price.

3. Mr. Naik, the learned Amicus Curiae, pointed out from Annexure-A to the petition, a list of drugs, which clearly shows a wide disparity in the prices of drugs merely because they are manufactured by different companies. The said list is reproduced below:

DRUG NAME COMPANY NAME QUANTITY CURRENT PRICE

Cetrizine 10 mg (Anti Allergic Tablet)

Alzme (Core) 10's 7.80

Hicet (Micronova) 10's 14.80

Cetnzet (Sun) 10's 34.00

Ciprotloxacin 500 mg (Antibiotic Tablets)

Zoxan (FDC) 10's 44.75

Biocip (Blochem) 10's 49.95

Cifran (Ranbaxy) 10's 89.60 Flunarizine 10 mg (Migraine)

Migon (Le Sante) 10's 19.90

Migrmd (Cipla) 10's 20.25

Siblium (Johnson & Johnson) 10's 52.00

Gabapentin 300 mg (Anticonvulsant)

Gabapm (Instas) 10's 98.00

Neurontin (Pfizer) 10's 312.87

Gliclazide 80 mg (Anti Diabetic)

Glycor (USV)