No One Can Be Forced To Get COVID Vaccine, Govt Must Release Adverse Effects Data: SC

Mumbai: Supreme Court on Monday said that no individual can be forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The apex court added that the current vaccine policy “can’t be said to be unreasonable”.

The court further endorsed the Union government’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, stating that it is satisfied with the fact that the policy can’t be said to be unreasonable and manifestly arbitrary.

However, the top court did not support the restrictions imposed by some state governments and organizations against non-vaccinated people, denying them access to public places. The court said it was not proportionate and should be withdrawn in the present circumstances.

Delivering its verdict today on a PIL, which sought a stay on the mandate being issued by authorities in various states with COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials and post-vaccination data, the Supreme Court also directed the Center to make it public. Data on the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

Announcing its order, the court said that no restriction should be imposed on individuals if the number of Covid-19 is low.

The top court said that till the number of cases is reduced, the bench suggested that the relevant orders be followed and no restriction is imposed on individuals on access to public areas or recall the same if already not done, said the top court.

On the question of COVID-19 vaccines for children, the court said that it cannot guess the opinion of experts and said that the vaccination strategy actually follows global standards and practices.

It may be noted that the COVID-19 vaccination which started in January 2021 is progressing at the expected pace and the country will soon reach the milestone of delivering 200 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Further, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved more vaccines for children also for the lower age group starting 5 years. However, the government is awaiting a go-ahead from NTAGI to begin the vaccination of kids aged 5 or more.

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