You cannot force anyone to get vaccinated: Supreme Court

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that the Union health ministry’s COVID-19 inoculation rules do not allow for forced vaccination without an individual’s consent.

The Centre told the Supreme Court that it has not published any SOP that makes carrying a vaccination certificate essential for any reason.

This was stated in the Centre’s affidavit in response to a request by the NGO Evara Foundation for priority COVID-19 vaccination for people with impairments.

“It is claimed that the Government of India‘s direction and guidelines, as well as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s guidelines, do not permit forcible vaccination without the permission of the individual involved.”

The affidavit presented by the Union health ministry stated, “It is suggested that immunisation for COVID-19 is of greater public interest in view of the ongoing pandemic crisis.”

“It is duly recommended, publicised, and communicated through various print and social media platforms that all citizens should get vaccinated,” according to the ministry, adding that “systems and processes have been created to assist the same.”

It said, “However, no one can be forced to be vaccinated against their will.”