The Supreme Court ruled in a landmark decision on India’s Covid vaccine policy that no one may be forced to take the vaccine. The court also ordered the national government to disclose information on vaccine side effects.
“Bodily integrity is protected under the law and nobody can be forced to be vaccinated,” the Supreme Court said. The court asserted, however, that “certain limitations on individual rights” could be imposed in the interest of community health.
“Barring Covid-appropriate behaviour, we suggest no curbs on unvaccinated individuals in access to public places, services and resources if cases are low,” the Supreme Court said.
A petition filed by Jacob Puliyel, a former member of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), contended that governments demanding vaccination for access to benefits or services is illegal since it violates people’ rights.
According to the petition, several jurisdictions have made immunizations mandatory for state government employees, public transportation, and access to subsidised food grains.
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