The Supreme Court today asked the government not to alter the existing pricing system for essential medicines, a step which may allegedly lead to a steep hike in their prices.

The bench headed by justice G S Singhvi made it clear that the Government should not alter the price system as notified on July 13, 1999 and similar subsequent notification.

While posting the matter for further hearing on next Tuesday, October 9, the bench observed that the court does not run the government, but it steps in only when required.

The Centre informed the court that the recommendations, made by the Group of Ministers, will soon be placed before the Cabinet for final decision on the issue.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation plea filed in 2003 by the All India Drugs Action Network and others which had complained that currently only around 78 drugs are placed under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995 making rest of the medicines beyond the reach of the common man.