Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking change in vaccine policy as Sputnik V is not recognised by WHO

On the day that another bench of Supreme Court held that India’s vaccine policy is reasonable, a plea seeking directions for change in vaccine policy was listed before a bench of Justices Chandrachud and Surya Kant. The petitioner here sought for the direction of Supreme Court for a change in vaccination policy as they were vaccinated with Sputnik V vaccine and were unable to travel abroad as it is not recognised by WHO.

When the matter came up for hearing, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that the plea has been moved to change the country’s vaccine policy and that since Sputnik V is not recognised by WHO, persons who were administered by this vaccines should be permitted to voluntarily re-vaccinate themselves with Indian vaccines that have global recognition (Covishield and COVAXIN). The counsel added that the issue requires consideration by the court as the organisation which manufactures the vaccination is now under scanner owing to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The court on hearing the submissions of the counsel noted that the Petitioner has moved a writ petition under Article 32 seeking modification of COVID-19 vaccination policy. The bench further recorded that the petitioner was vaccinated with a dose of Sputnik V however he was not able to travel abroad as it is not recognised by World Health Organisation. The court noted that the petitioner seeks voluntary re-vaccination of persons who were vaccinated with Sputnik V.

The court held that the petitioner has moved a petition under Article 32 of the constitution without a demand for justice before competent authority. The court further held that it would be appropriate to permit the petitioner to move a representation before the Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare the court further directed the ministry to bear in mind all relevant aspects and dispose the plea with reasonable time.

Case title: Tarun Mehta Vs Union of India